Jet Airways considering selling 11 aircraft while the resolution process remains slow

Frustrated lenders are effectively forcing Jet Airways into liquidation as they consider selling 11 aircraft while the resolution process remains slow, sources told The Economic Times.

A year-and-a-half after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved Jet Airways’ resolution plan, the Jalan-Kalrock consortium has failed to pay up forcing lenders to re-evaluate their options, bankers told the paper.

The source said that nobody thought the resolution would “take so long to execute”, adding that banks cannot transfer the company, till the money is received. “The way things are, it seems the execution will not happen soon. Meanwhile, the 11 planes we have in possession are also losing value. Maybe it is time to relook at selling those,” they stated.

Jet Airways is considering selling 11 aircraft while the resolution process remains slow

ALSO READ - Jet Airways relaunch to delay further due to unpaid payments

A process in August got six expressions of interest (EoIs) from banks for the purchase of these planes. The interest has made some bankers believe they can make a recovery, albeit small.

"The Jalan-Kalrock consortium has filed an intervention application in the NCLT, which comes up for hearing on November 29. Banks will watch what they say to the court and act accordingly," a second source noted.

Jet Airways was grounded in April 2019, after which its lenders took it to the NCLT. Per the Jalan-Kalrock consortium’s resolution plan, the consortium proposed a total infusion of INR 1,375 crore. This included INR 900 crore towards capital expenditure and working capital and INR 475 crore to settle the claims of all creditors. The sum of INR 475 crore includes INR 380 crore to be paid to lenders, INR 52 crore to employees and workmen, and the remaining towards other operational creditors. Banks approved Jet Airways’ resolution plan in October 2020. It was then approved by the NCLT in June 2021.

Jet Airways was grounded in April 2019, after which its lenders took it to the NCLT.

According to the consortium's submissions to the court, banks are to blame for the delay. A plan B is being prepared to close the case even if it means liquidation if the consortium continues the argument at the next hearing, the report added.

The State Bank of India-led lenders’ consortium had earlier said it would give a NOC only after the new owners commit to a timeline for implementing the debt resolution plan, which involves a staggering payout. Until this is provided, Jet Airways’ ownership cannot be transferred to the consortium.

The tribunal is likely to take up the plea on November 29, which the banks will watch and act accordingly, the ET report said. The court had asked erstwhile resolution professional Ashish Chhawchharia to compute these payments within a month and communicate the same to the consortium.

Earlier, Jet Airways temporarily docked the salaries of some of its staff by up to 50% and sent some on leave without pay.

Since the takeover of the airline was facilitated by waiving two preconditions, the trust deficit has increased, according to bankers. "Though these were preconditions for the plan implementation, banks had agreed to not oppose it in court if the consortium sought relief. But instead, Jalan-Kalrock has started blaming banks for the delay, which has raised doubts on their intentions," the first source added.

ALSO READ - Jet Airways send employees on leave without pay; cuts salaries up to 50%

Earlier, Jet Airways temporarily docked the salaries of some of its staff by up to 50% and sent some on leave without pay. Sources in the know added that the changes are effective December 1.

One individual aware of the ongoing discussions said that almost half the staff is not impacted by these changes. "Even Sanjiv Kapoor (Jet Airways CEO) has agreed to take a substantial pay cut," the individual said. On November 18, Jet Airways sent 60% of its employees, including senior managers, on leave without pay.

(with inputs from The EconomicTimes)

The national airline of Nepal has made the decision to sell the Chinese aircraft that it has been trying to maintain due to frequent failures.

These aircraft were assigned to the state-owned Nepal Airlines and are now confined to a remote area of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Nepal bought five aircraft from China amid a fanfare, which is grounded at a remote-area of Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

China delivered the first batch of aircraft to Nepal in 2014. Nepal Airlines bought three 17-seater Y12e and two 56-seater MA60 aircraft amid much fanfare during that time. 

The Nepali government has already agreed to several infrastructure and energy projects worth $2.4 billion with China. China is also working on enlarging the airports in Lumbini and Pokhara, Nepal.

The primary objective was to use the aircraft on underutilised mountain routes. However, technical and mechanical issues began to appear in aeroplanes on a regular basis. The airline company claims that this resulted in significant losses because the aircraft spent more time on the ground than in the air. Five of these planes, according to The Kathmandu Post, which cited officials, "were the most expensive white elephants in the carrier's history."

Also read: China made aircraft, a headache for Nepal airlines

Nepal Airlines has chosen to sell five of its Chinese aircraft that have been grounded for more than two years due to concerns about the effectiveness and quality of Chinese-made aircraft.

The three 17-seaters and two 56-seaters were leased by Nepal Airlines in September with a deadline of October 31. Even after the deadline was extended, no bidders submitted a bid.

It has now made the decision to sell these grounded aircraft.

According to Nepal Airlines spokesperson Archana Khadka, an international assessor will be appointed, to evaluate the fair market worth of the aircraft. This will happen after Nepal’s election that took place on Sunday, November 20. 

Two 56-seater MA60 aircraft were purchased from China by Nepal Airlines, now in regret

Earlier this year, a source had told WION that the airline lacked the necessary pilots with the necessary abilities to operate the Chinese aircraft.

“We have been facing technical problems in the functioning of these aircraft. The spare parts are not easily available and repairing aircraft is expensive and time taking. To fly these planes, pilots with specific skills are required which we are short of. There are pilots in China but due to the language barrier training pilots in Nepal is not possible.”

–Source

China had also declined to support the Nepalese side in this matter.

“We did approach China for help but nothing has been initiated from their side yet. The board of directors of Nepal Airlines hold a meeting on a daily basis to discuss training Nepalese pilots but we are yet to take a decision on that.”

–Source

Corrosion has already started to appear on a few of the planes. Instead of going to the trouble of getting the planes airworthy again, the subsequent owner will probably use them as spare components.

“No doubt, the planes can fly. It was a management problem that the shiny new planes never flew for the purpose they were brought.”

“Now, years after they were acquired, it is wise to sell them rather than keep them in storage.”

“If the planes begin to rust, they will become scrap.”

–Ashok Pokhrel, a former board member of Nepal Airlines

Nepal Airlines was at a loss as Chinese planes began to rust

Due to the limited aftermarket support for these aircraft, which has been revealed by the airline's experience with them, many operators have chosen to purchase aircraft made by well-known western manufacturers.

(With inputs from WION and The Kathmandu Post)

Tata Group-owned Air India is in talks with Boeing and Airbus about ordering new aircraft and is meeting its immediate needs by leasing planes and repairing grounded aircraft, the airline's chief executive said on Saturday.

The autos-to-steel conglomerate, which completed its purchase of Air India in January, faces an uphill struggle to upgrade an ageing fleet, turn around the company's financials and improve service levels, industry analysts say.

"We are in deep discussion with Boeing, Airbus and engine manufacturers for a historical order of the latest generation aircraft that will power Air India's medium- and long-term growth. At the risk of gross understatement, the investment will be substantial."

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India

Wilson said Air India planned to expand its fleet and global network, aiming to increase its market share to 30% on domestic and international routes over the next five years.

Currently, Air India has a domestic market share of about 10% and an international market share of around 12%, according to industry estimates.

Air India starts discussing aircraft orders; to introduce a premium economy class in long-haul flights

ALSO READ – Air India to revamp its fleet by leasing 30 aircraft in the upcoming months

Air India said in September it would lease 30 Boeing and Airbus planes, expanding its fleet by more than 25% as part of the drive to boost market share and improve service levels.

Industry sources said in July that Air India was moving closer to a decision on an order worth USD 50 billion at list prices to be split between Airbus and Boeing.

ALSO READ - Air India plans to expand its fleet 3 times; in discussions with aircraft manufacturers

The sources said at the time that both planemakers were making a "final push" with the order set to include up to 70 wide-body jets including Airbus A350s and Boeing B787s and B777s, and up to 300 narrowbodies.

Air India to introduce a premium economy class in some long-haul flights

Air India will be introducing premium economy class in some of its long-haul international flights next month, its chief Campbell Wilson said as the Tata group-owned airline works on ways to expand its market share as well as the global network.

Noting that Air India's transformation journey will be in phases, Wilson said over the next six months it will be taxiing, fixing the basics and readying itself for growth.

In his speech at an event by the JRD Tata Memorial Trust here, Wilson said the airline will increase its market share to at least 30% in domestic and international routes. The airline is implementing a long-term revival plan and over the next five years, it aims to grow its wide-body and narrow-body fleet as well as expand the global network.

According to Wilson, the airline has restored nearly 20 aircraft that had been grounded for years due to a lack of parts and money. Leaving aside cabin interiors, this has required procuring over 30,000 parts that had been cannibalised over the years to keep other aircraft flying, he added.

"The short-term actions have been to replace carpets, curtains, seat cushions and covers. To fix defective seats and inflight entertainment systems as fast as supply chains will allow. And where parts are no longer available in the market, to work with the likes of Tata Technologies to design and manufacture parts ourselves. We've recently completely revamped the domestic inflight menu, and will be doing likewise, as well as launching premium economy on certain long haul international flights next month."

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India

ALSO READ - Modernization of Air India to start soon by Tata Technologies

In addition to restoring long-grounded aircraft, he said the airline has finalised leases for 30 additional aircraft being delivered over the next 12 months, starting next week, with more in the final stages of negotiation.

Noting that Air India's transformation journey will be in phases, Wilson said over the next six months it will be taxiing, fixing the basics and readying itself for growth.

Air India has expanded both domestically and internationally, the latter including more flights to Vancouver, Sydney and Melbourne.

"For the subsequent year we'll start the take-off run, building for excellence and attracting those who may not have considered Air India before, and by April 2024 or thereabouts, we will leverage the work done in the earlier phases to climb rapidly so that by 2027 we have scaled the heights of our aspiration," he added.

Air India has expanded both domestically and internationally, the latter including more flights to Vancouver, Sydney and Melbourne.

https://twitter.com/airindiain/status/1593258561148456960

"We now operate non-stop to London from seven Indian cities," he said and added that from Mumbai, the airline will be adding new non-stop service to San Francisco, New York and Newark starting in a few weeks.

ALSO READ - Air India to start direct flights between Mumbai-San Francisco

Emphasising that the airline no longer has financial or any other constraints, he said "turning around Air India and restoring it to glory is a test match, not a T20. It will require patience, fortitude and partnership. Though there will be the occasional six and four, it'll mostly be the steady accumulation of singles and doubles."

The rapid development of new Indian airports and the government's regional air connectivity scheme UDAN to support developmental domestic routes will only strengthen the network effect that will power further growth, he stated.

The full-service airline Air India is looking forward to starting new direct flights thrice a week, between Mumbai-San Francisco, starting Dec 15.

The first round-trip ticket between Mumbai and San Francisco would cost Rs 1,02,837. To accommodate the rising demand for travel, Air India would run three weekly non-stop flights between the two cities. In addition, starting on December 2, Air India will offer direct flights between Bengaluru and San Francisco.

https://twitter.com/airindiain/status/1593258561148456960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1593258561148456960%7Ctwgr%5Ecb0ff67b653b3ef88302af80cc7b992b9b86c339%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-73556615532378854.ampproject.net%2F2211042305000%2Fframe.html

In September 2022, Air India announced the addition of 20 weekly flights to San Francisco in the US as well as Birmingham and London in the UK. This is a component of the flag carrier's continuous campaign to reclaim first place in the aviation world.

With the addition of five additional flights per week to Birmingham, 9 additional flights to London, and six additional flights to San Francisco, Air India will be able to provide customers with more than 5,000 additional seats per week and ensure plenty of choice in terms of connectivity, comfort, and cabin space.

Also read: Air India broadens its international footprint by launching 20 flights to US and UK

Additionally, the Vijayawada to Sharjah direct flight service will begin on October 31 according to a statement from the Tata-owned Air India Express. The first ticket for the Vijayawada-Sharjah route was set at Rs 13,669, while the Sharjah-Vijayawada route's fare starts at AED 399.

Air India is looking forward to launching new domestic and international routes with the aim to reclaim its position as an aviation leader in the global map

The airline has made it possible to enhance the frequency between Delhi and Vancouver routes as well as to establish several new domestic services. 

“This sizeable frequency increase to the US and the UK, as well as the addition of new city pairs and improved aircraft cabin interiors, comes just 10 months after Air India's acquisition by the Tata Group. It is a clear signal of our intent, and an early step towards a much bigger aspiration.”

“As Air India reinvents itself under the Vihaan.AI transformation programme, adding frequency and improving connectivity from major Indian cities to more international destinations is a significant focus.”

–Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India

The plan, called "Vihaan.AI," is a detailed roadmap with specific milestones that, according to the airline, focuses on taking a leadership position in technology, sustainability, and innovation, while also aggressively investing behind the best available talent. Vihaan.AI is Sanskrit for "the dawn of a new era," and it signifies "dramatically growing both network and fleet."

Air India is adding weekly frequencies from different Indian cities to London, Birmingham, and San Francisco as part of its transformational plan

Also read: Air India unveils Vihaan – a comprehensive 5-year transformation plan

An official of Air India commented that the immediate priority of the airline is still to address the fundamentals. The focus will be on developing excellence over the medium to long term in order to become a leader in the industry globally.

Also read: Air India preparing to compete with the leading airlines of the world

Wide-body and narrow-body aircraft that are currently in the fleet are being worked on by Air India to get them back into service. In September, Air India announced that it would lease 30 new aircraft over the course of the next 15 months and introduce premium economy for the first time months after Tata Group reclaimed control of the company, which the government had taken over 69 years earlier.

In addition, starting on February 14, 2023, Air India will operate daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and New York.

The DGCA is anticipated to evaluate Tabletop airports in India, to improve aviation safety at the airports, according to two officials who spoke to Mint.

As the name implies, a Tabletop airport is one that is situated on top of a plateau or steep terrain with one or both runways ends looking down over a drop.

Lengpui (Mizoram), Shimla and Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Pakyong (Sikkim), Mangaluru (Karnataka), Kozhikode (Kerala) and Kannur (Kerala) are the airports in the nation that would be considered "Tabletops".

Kozhikode Airport is one of the airports in India regarded as "Tabletops"

A former aviation official claims that there is no mention of a "tabletop airport" in any International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) technical documents. However, the DGCA uses this terminology to emphasise safety precautions when using these runways.

The stages of landing and takeoff are the most important aspects of any aircraft operation.

On runways with little capacity for manoeuvring, such as Tabletop runways, the pressure is substantially greater for the pilots. Therefore, a precise landing is crucial. Even the finest pilots find it difficult to navigate tabletops because they are so difficult. In these circumstances, even a small error can result in deadly collisions.

“If visibility is poor and there are tailwinds, landing on a Tabletop airport becomes a challenge. Automation might not help in the case of tabletop runways. An optical illusion can also be the issue where the runway might seem to be nearer whereas it would be further away.”

–A pilot for National Carrier Air India Ltd. said.

Following the crash of a Boeing 737-800 Air India Express aircraft on August 7, 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 21 passengers and crew members, including both pilots, a panel was initially established in 2020 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau at Kozhikode airport. The discussions were chaired by a high-level panel that included the Civil Aviation Secretary. 

Also read: The final report out on the Kozhikode air crash hints at human error and non-compliance to SOPs

On board, there was no fire. Both the cockpit voice recorder and the digital flight data recorder have been located. The incident has once more brought attention to the functioning of what is known as "Tabletop airports" in India. 

Also read: AAI recommends runway extension for Kozhikode airport

On August 7, 2020, a Boeing 737-800 Air India Express plane crashed in Kozhikode Airport, killing all 21 people on board as well as the two pilots

Also read: Protest against India’s Kozhikode Airport’s Runway Extension

In 2010, there was a very similar catastrophe at the Tabletop airport in Mangalore, which resulted in almost 160 fatalities.

“There has been a discussion around the review of tabletop airports or the airports with challenging terrain. These can be airports where the runway is elevated as compared to the surrounding geography. The motive is to increase prevention against any unforeseen incidents at such airports and check for areas where we can identify what more can be done to make landings and take-offs at such runways less challenging.”

–A senior DGCA official reports Mint.

In 2010, at the Tabletop airport in Mangalore, there was a disaster remarkably similar to the Kozhikode Airport happened, leading to over 160 fatalities

Plans are in motion to categorise all airports due to operational challenges, and the DGCA is anticipated to evaluate Tabletop airports in India in an effort to improve aviation safety at the nation's airports. The evaluation, according to the DGCA, aims to boost safety at airports with difficult terrain.

(With inputs from Livemint)

The Jalan-Kalrock consortium (JKC) has sent 10% of the employees of Jet Airways on leave without pay (LWP) and reduced the salaries of another 23 per cent to cut costs as it waits for the airline’s handover under the ongoing process in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Sources said a section of mid- and senior-level employees had been asked to work for a “reduced number of hours” at salaries reduced by up to 50 per cent. Employees in lower grades, cabin crew members, and pilots have not been affected, they said.

The airline, which wanted to resume flights by October, has about 250 employees on its rolls.

It went bankrupt in April 2019 under the old ownership. A resolution plan put forward by JKC was approved by the committee of creditors and the NCLT in October 2020 and June 2021, respectively.

However, ownership has not been transferred to JKC to date because the matter of clearing the previous employees’ provident fund and gratuity dues is under litigation.

JKC wants the State Bank of India-led consortium of lenders to pay them and has moved the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on this.

Jet Airways Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Kapoor said on Twitter on Friday “no staff has been let go”.

“However with the ownership transfer timeline slipping due to factors outside our control, some temporary hard decisions had to be taken,” he added.

The team working to revive Jet Airways was not responsible for the airline running out of cash and suspending operations in 2019, he noted.

“They are trying to revive the airline using fresh capital, to give consumers more choices, to create more jobs and bring back old jobs. They deserve our full appreciation,” he mentioned.

In its statement, JKC said it had not breached any terms of the approved resolution plan and it remained committed to restarting Jet Airways.

After the NCLT’s approval in June 2021, all conditions outlined in the resolution plan were satisfied by May 20 this year and the necessary filings in this regard were made before the NCLT on May 21, it mentioned.

According to the resolution plan, the consortium has to infuse Rs 1,375 crore into the airline.