The Hindu Business Line : Jet Airways evaluating Boeing 747-800 for non-stop flight to US

JET Airways is evaluating the Boeing 747-800 aircraft to consider the option of flying non-stop between India and the US, the Chairman, Mr Naresh Goyal, has said.

"The flight to the US is very much on. Initially, we plan to start operating through Brussels. This flight should start early next year. We are also considering the new Boeing aircraft to see whether the airline can do a non-stop service between the two nations," he added.

The new Boeing aircraft being examined by Jet Airways was launched by the US-based aircraft manufacturer in November and serves the 400-500 passengers market. The aircraft has a range of 14,815 km and is scheduled to enter commercial service in September 2009. Earlier this year, Jet Airways was given official permission to operate a three-times-a-week service on the India-Brussels-New York sector.

The start of the flight was delayed due to some issues raised by a US company.

Mr Goyal, however, maintained that there was no case in the US and that the airline will start operating on the route from next year.

The airline, which has a fleet of Boeing 737, ATR, and Airbus aircraft, operates close to 300 flights to 48 destinations in India and abroad.

The airline operates regular flights from India to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, and London. Meanwhile, the airline is also examining a proposal to start a cargo service. Mr Goyal said that a feasibility study was being undertaken on whether the airline should venture into the project.

The study will also look at whether a joint venture partner should be included.

Commenting on the future plans of the airline, Mr Goyal said that Jet was working towards being counted among the five top global airlines in the next five years.