TravTalk India Online Magazine
With around 20 codeshare partners from across the world, Jet Airways had the most widespread connection across India before it cancelled operations in April. The news disturbed passengers who already had bookings on the airline directly or via codeshares. TravTalk spoke to the codeshare partners of the airline on the crisis.
TT Bureau
April 17, 2019, turned out to be a black day for Indian aviation when Jet Airways announced cancellation of all its flights and ceased all operations due to a lack of funding. The airline was struggling to stay in business for a couple of months before finally pulling the plug, though temporarily. A statement from the airline read, “Since no emergency funding from the lenders or any other source is forthcoming, the airline will not be able to pay for fuel or other critical services to keep the operations going.” Currently, the airline is seeking a private investor to buy 75 per cent of the company to restart operations. “Jet Airways hopes to to bring the ‘Joy of Flying’ back to guests as soon as possible,” claimed the statement.
Jet Airways had codeshared with around 20 airlines and was connecting their passengers to different parts of the country. Now, what happens to passengers who have booked on these airlines, with Jet Airways being grounded?
Etihad
A major investor in the airline and a big shareholder, Etihad Airways pulled out of the deal with Jet Airways during the recent turmoil. On the crisis, the airline’s spokesperson commented, “Following the announcement of Jet Airways’ suspension of operations, Etihad continues to re-accommodate and support affected guests. Our teams are assisting guests with their travel arrangements and rebooking those affected onto the next available flights. We continue to work with Jet management, lenders and key stakeholders in the context of the lender-managed effort to restructure the company.”
Air France
Air France came to the rescue of its passengers, saying, “At this stage, Air France and KLM still honour customers booked on Air France and KLM flights under a Jet Airways code and holding a Jet Airways ticket.”
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, in its statement, commented, “Delta is assisting Delta customers booked on Jet Airways flights to support their re-accommodation via alternative travel options. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to Delta customers impacted by Jet.”
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic echoed the sentiment, saying, “As with many airlines, we operate a codeshare agreement with Jet. Any customers who have booked directly with Virgin Atlantic should check our website www.virginatlantic.com for the latest advice. All other customers on Jet operated flights should contact them directly.”
Aeromexico
Airlines like Aeromexico also came forward with their reaction for the situation, and commented, “We are aware of the situation of Jet Airways and we are deeply sorry of what they are currently facing. Regarding our codeshare, Aeromexico is taking actions to reduce the impact on our customers. Fortunately, the number of affected passengers is minimal, and we have already reached out to them. We are working to get them to their destination. We are offering them the necessary support and we are relocating them in other flights with help of other SkyTeam partners.”
Fiji Airways
Another codeshare partner of Jet Airways was Fiji Airways, which said that they have temporarily stopped codeshare bookings with Jet Airways flights.
