Jet Airways applies for South Africa route
15 Jan 2010
New Delhi: Jet Airways, India's largest airline by passengers flown, may become the country's first carrier to fly to South Africa should the civil aviation ministry grant it permission to do so. The airline is keen to gain permission for commencement of services ahead of the football World Cup slated to commence in June.
It is likely that the airline will join hands with Kenya Airways for onward connection to the North Africa region.
According to government sources, Jet is keen to start non-stop daily flights from Mumbai to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. Earlier, airline operations to South Africa were restricted as only one carrier could operate services to Mumbai. This restriction no longer applies.
Currently, flag carriers Air India and South African Airways (SAA) connect both countries, though Air India dose so only through a code-share agreement with South African Airways.
SAA flies four times a week on the Mumbai-Johannesburg route.
Jet Airways officials have let it be known that should permission be granted they will operate wide-body A-330 planes on the route.
Jet Airways, which covers at least 18 international destinations, has increased the share of its revenues from international operations to 62%, from 12% in 2005-06.