Mumbai: If the sources are to be believed, stressed carrier Jet Airways might sublease its seven ATR planes to regional carrier TruJet. It is being reported that TruJet is in the advanced stage of the discussions with Jet Airways and this sublease is to so as to reduce costs and mop up additional revenues and cash drought.
It is also been said that the planes would be subleased with the complete crew, maintenance and insurance. As of now, Jet Airways owned by Naresh Goyal has 15 ATRs in its fleet.
TruJet, which started operations in 2015, has an all ATR fleet.
Sources aware of the development informed deal might get finalized by this month itself. It is also been informed that earlier also attempts were made by the Jet Airways to phase out these regional jets.
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The source told the news agency PTI that Jet Airways and TruJet are in the advanced stage of negotiations on the ATR deal. As per the current discussions, TruJet will initially lease sever ATRs from Jet Airways.
While Jet Airways said that all the possible alternatives are being evaluated whereas TruJet has confirmed about the discussions.
Partially-owned by Gulf carrier Etihad, Jet Airways has been flying into turbulence since the beginning of this year, has reported a massive loss of over Rs 1,000 crore in March quarter.
The source said that the sublease period was likely to be for five years, and under a wet lease arrangement, adding, “If the deal gets through, TruJet could opt for more such planes from the airline.”
A spokesperson said in a statement to PTI, “We are working options to induct up to seven aircraft for short period from Jet Airways.”
Last month, TruJet said that it is planning to acquire five to seven ATRs and expand the network to 20 more routes by the end of FY19.
As of now, the Hyderabad-based airline has five ATR-72s and it connects 14 destinations which also include some under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme, Udan.
