Jet Airways, one of India’s largest airlines and a Qantas Frequent Flyer partner, has suspended all flights. At this stage, the debt-ridden airline believes it may be able to secure new investors – a process which could take three to four weeks – and eventually resume operations. However, at this stage it’s unclear if the airline will ever fly again.
The writing has been on the wall for Jet Airways for some time. By the middle of last month, more than half of the Jet Airways fleet had already been grounded by unpaid lessors. The founder and chairman of Jet Airways then stepped down at the end of last month. On 12 April, most international flights were suspended. Finally, last Wednesday, all flights ceased operating. Meanwhile, the airline has not fully paid its staff in months.
Jet Airways had a strong presence in the Indian domestic market. It also flew to many international destinations, including in Europe, Asia and North America.
Jet Airways has long been a partner of Qantas. Qantas Frequent Flyer members have been able to earn and redeem points for Jet Airways flights, and Qantas also used to codeshare with Jet Airways between Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and India. Qantas relied heavily on Jet Airways for access to the Indian market. Qantas has not operated its own flights to India since dropping its Singapore-Mumbai route in May 2012.
Alternative options for Qantas customers booked on Jet Airways codeshares
Qantas has made arrangements for customers with an existing Qantas booking that includes travel on Jet Airways-operated flights between Singapore and India. Those travelling on or before 5 May 2019 can rebook, at no charge, with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur), Sri Lankan Airlines (via Colombo), Singapore Airlines or Silk Air.
Qantas passengers originally booked on Jet Airways codeshares between Bangkok and India can rebook on Bangkok Airways codeshare services. And those originally booked from Hong Kong to India on Jet Airways can rebook on flights operated by Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.
For passengers booked to travel on revenue tickets from 6 May 2019, Qantas is not offering alternative flights on Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, Singapore Airlines or Silk Air. But alternative flights via Singapore with Sri Lankan Airlines (Economy class only) and Malaysia Airlines are being offered, as well as refunds.
Customers with a Classic Flight Reward booking on Jet Airways can also rebook at no charge. However, rebooking is only possible on flights with Qantas partners that have award availability. Full refunds are also being offered to affected passengers.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Jet airways in Trouble.
