Jet Airways' flight safety at risk: Aircraft engineers to DGCA
What's the story
Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an emergency meeting after the Jet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Welfare Association (JAMEWA) wrote to the aviation watchdog that Jet Airways' flight safety is at risk.
In a letter to Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), JAMEWA sought the Ministry's intervention in the issue of non-payment of salaries that affected aircraft engineers' psychological condition, putting flight safety at risk.
Details
Been arduous for us to meet our financial requirements: JAMEWA
Prabhu directed the Civil Aviation Secretary to convene an emergency meeting after JAMEWA wrote to DGCA.
"It has been arduous for us to meet our financial requirements, result of which have adversely affected the psychological condition of Aircraft Engineers at work and therefore the safety of public transport airplanes being flown by Jet Airways across India and the world is at risk," JAMEWA wrote.
The Issues
Need more time to resolve the issues: Jet Airways Chairman
Jet Airways Chairman, earlier on Monday, told pilots that it would take more time to resolve the issues the company is facing.
He said he is "committed to have the process completed as soon as possible and restore much-needed stability" to operations.
He added he would settle the issue of delayed salary payments for pilots and some other staffers, making it a top priority.
JAMEWA's letter
Three months' salary is overdue to us, writes JAMEWA
"While the senior management is finding a resolution to be in business, we the Engineers who inspect, troubleshoot, and certify the public transport airplanes for its airworthiness are in tremendous stress due to non-payment of salaries on time, since last 7 months," JAMEWA wrote in its letter.
"As of now, 3 months' salary is overdue to us," stated the Association.
Debt
Jet Airways has a debt of Rs. 8,200 crore
Jet Airways, which is sitting on a debt pile of Rs. 8,200 crore, has reportedly defaulted three times since January.
The airline, for months, has delayed payments to its pilots, some other staffers, suppliers, and lessors.
Goyal, however, said that they are in talks with Jet's strategic partner Etihad Airways, which has 24% stake in the airline, and State Bank of India-led lenders.
Quote
Jet Airways also grounded operations indefinitely in Abu Dhabi
Meanwhile, Jet Airways has also grounded its operations indefinitely in Abu Dhabi, one of its two international hubs. "Jet Airways has canceled all their flights from Abu Dhabi with immediate effect from March 18 due to operational reasons," said Etihad Airport services' notification to passengers.