Uncertainty continues over the revival of grounded Jet Airways as the validity of the airline’s air operator’s certificate expires on Friday. There was no word on the status of the airline’s flight permit from Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC), which emerged as the winning bidder for the carrier under insolvency resolution proceedings.
The Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of the airline, which has not been flying since April 18, 2019, was re-validated for a period of one year on May 20 last year and expired on Friday.
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However, it was not immediately known whether the consortium has sought any exemption from aviation regulator DGCA with regard to AOC, which is the most important requirement for the airline to operate.
A query sent to JKC board member Ankit Jalan whether the consortium has sought renewal of the AOC remained unanswered. The ownership transfer of Jet Airways to JKC is yet to happen amid ongoing differences with the airline’s lenders.
Debt-ridden Jet Airways, which flew for 25 years, ceased operations on April 18, 2019. The carrier’s insolvency resolution process began in June 2019 and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved a resolution plan submitted by JKC in June. 2021. Last week, the consortium reportedly approached the NCLT seeking more time to pay creditors and implement the revival plan.