Jet Airways has introduced the first of four new Boeing 737-400s which it ordered in late 1996 as part of a major $375 million contract for ten aircraft, including Next Generation 737s.
The Mumbai-based airline also leases 15 737s, including four 737-300s, ten -400s and one -500. Lessors include Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services, GE Capital Aviation Services, Hanway and Sunrock Aircraft.
The remaining 737-400s will be delivered through to June 1998, and Jet will begin taking the first of six Next Generation 737-800s in December 1998, with deliveries concluding in February 2000.
In a separate deal, Jet has arranged to replace its four 737-300s with a similar number of -700s, which will join the fleet in late 1998 and early 1999 on lease from the Los Angeles-based leasing division of Mitsui, Tombo Aviation. Jet Airways began operations in May 1993 with an initial fleet of four 737-300s.
Gulf Air and Kuwait Airways used to hold a 40% shareholding in the airline between them, and the other 60% was held by Jet's chairman Naresh Goyal.
The Indian Government's new ruling banning foreign ownership has seen Goyal taking 100% of the airline, however, funded by international banks.
Source: Flight International
