Jet to fuel growth, targets new international destinations

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With the Kingfisher Deccan combine close on its heels, Jet Airways' chairman Naresh Goyal is looking to flying fuel growth by flying to major global destinations around the world. Goyal hopes making Brussels Jet's international hub will boost traffic.

 

Competition and PIL's dont' seem to phase this man. After giving wings to Jet's international plans, Goyal has made Brussels his international hub to connect passengers like you and me to different parts of Europe and the US.

 

Goyal wants to pick up traffic from Scandanavian countries, Spain, Switzerland and Germany and he wants to connect these with even smaller cities like Birmingham and Manchester in the U.K. not just Europe. Goyal is hoping to cross the Himalayan divide and connect even Shanghai to Brussels via Mumbai. Also on his radar is a plan to connect Hong Kong, Dhaka, Kathmandu and even Colombo to his hub in Brussels.

 

Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways said, "I think it's a great transit point. We have a code sharing with Brussels Airline and with cooperation from Brussels airport, I think it's a win win situation for everybody."

 

But competition is hotting up in the domestic market. Kingfisher and Air Deccan together command above 32% of the market in India while Jet and Jet Lite have about 40%. Things could change if the government relaxes the five year flying experience norm for international flights. So could that wipe the smile of Goyal's face?

 

"I am not afraid of competition. I have been in this business since 1993 and we are the only airline making money," said Goyal.

 

But clearly Goyal is not taking competition lightly. After getting a nod for Jet to fly to the Gulf, Goyal says Jet Lite will also seek permission to fly Southeast Asia and premium destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, That's not all, Jet may still be on the lookout for acquisitions.

 

"I have always said that we are open to that and besides,I will always do whatever is in the best interest of the shareholders," said Goyal.

 

Jet's strategy seems to be to increase presence and traffic in all major global destinations. In a bid to tide over stiff competition in the domestic and international scene, the opening up of the Brussels hub therefore, ties up very well with its long-term goals