Jet removes 28 planes from fleet in 2 months, set to take out dozen more by March-end

Mumbai: Cash-strapped Jet Airways has cut its fleet by 28 planes in the last two months and is set to ground around 12 more planes next month mainly because of non-payment of rentals, sources said. Among about 40 aircrafts that have been or are in the process of being removed from the fleet are eight ATR turboprop jets, at least seven Boeing 737 NG, a recently-included Boeing 737 Max, a Boeing 777 and an Airbus A330 plane, a source said.

Jet, which had a fleet of 123 aircraft, will cut its fleet by close to a third by April. The carrier grounded various other planes following notices from unpaid aircraft lessors. While a few were grounded for a shortage of spare parts, the remaining were sent back to lessors.

Jet spokesperson says numbers incorrect

However, a spokesperson from the carrier disputed the number of aircrafts being taken off its fleet. "Jet Airways clarifies that your information on the airline's number of aircraft that stand withdrawn from operations as on date, due to various listed reasons, is incorrect," the person said.

Regarding its fleet, the aircraft has also been keeping DGCA informed about its developments. "Consequently, the airline has undertaken certain proactive adjustments to its flight schedule and is keeping its guests informed of these interim changes, offering them alternate choices, including re-accommodation on the airline's alternate flights, in line with applicable guidelines," the spokesperson said.

"Jet Airways regrets the inconvenience caused to its guests."

In a statement to the BSE, Jet said seven more planes have been grounded "due to non-payment of amounts outstanding to lessors under their respective lease agreements."

It had confirmed the grounding of six aircraft in two previous statements.