India's largest carrier by market share, Jet Airways is looking at expanding its international operations in a big way. The airline wants to start flying on the Manila & Kuala Lumpur routes a part form increasing flights to Europe & Gulf countries according to two sources familiar with the details.
In line with this strategy, the airline is also on a pilot hiring spree. The airline has hired nearly 20 pilots in the last few weeks and is still in the process of hiring more. It will also be aircraft fleet once these approvals come through.
'The airline will induct 10 to 12 aircraft once the ministry gives them approvals' said a source who did not want to be named.
International operations contribute nearly 60% to Jet Airways' revenues. With the civil aviation ministry ending Air India's monopoly over bilateral traffic rights, allowing all Indian carriers to utilize these, Jet Airways has also sought government permission to expand its international services to 518 flights per week from 370 at present by winter of 2012.
'Jet Airways continually assesses and employs sufficient number of cockpit crew to enable optimal utilization of its fleet' Jet Airway's spokesperson told ET NOW in an email response.
Jet Airways eyes more internatioanl routes; expediates hiring of pilots - The Economic Times