Jet in direct Indian route buzz
The speculation about Jet Airways flying here comes a month after flag carrier Air India began the only direct services from Delhi to Sydney and Melbourne.
The entry of a second Indian airline would pose the biggest challenge to Singapore Airlines, which has the lion's share of the market between Australia and India.
Etihad chief executive James Hogan has talked privately about his interest in Jet Airways launching direct services to Sydney or Melbourne, according to two well-placed sources.
The Middle Eastern airline is awaiting final approval from Indian authorities to complete the purchase of a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways.
It is expected to have a large influence over Jet Airways' future direction despite its holdings falling well short of control.
Etihad has embarked on a strategy of buying minority stakes in airlines around the world, including Virgin Australia and Air Berlin, in order to broaden its global network.
It is also expanding aggressively on routes to India. Direct flights to Australia on Jet Airways would boost the feed of passengers onto Etihad's network.
Officials from airports including Sydney and Melbourne are also believed to have met Jet Airways executives to encourage the airline to fly to their airports.
The launch of direct flights from India to Australia would raise questions about the code-share agreement between Jet Airways and Qantas.
Etihad has a close alliance with Qantas' main rival, Virgin Australia, and has emphasised repeatedly that Australia's largest airline fended off its advances a number of years ago. Qantas launched an extensive alliance with Emirates early this year.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce said last month that forming an alliance with Emirates instead of Etihad was a "bit like being offered the bike before you are offered the BMW".
Both Etihad and Jet Airways declined to comment on the speculation about direct Indian flights.
Sydney Airport would not confirm any discussions with Jet Airways but it emphasised "India is a strong growth market for Sydney".
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The article says Etihad is eager for Jet Airways to consider direct flights to Sydney or Melbourne once Etihad completes a cornerstone stake. However, both Etihad and Jet Airways declined to comment, so no confirmed launch date or schedule has been announced.
Etihad is awaiting final approval from Indian authorities to complete the purchase of a 24% stake in Jet Airways. The stake is described as significant enough to influence Jet Airways’ future direction, though it falls short of majority control.
According to the article, a second Indian carrier flying direct to Australia would pose the biggest challenge to Singapore Airlines, which currently holds the lion’s share of the Australia–India market. Direct Jet Airways services could change competitive dynamics on those routes.
Etihad’s interest is strategic: it has been buying minority stakes in airlines worldwide (including Virgin Australia and Air Berlin) to broaden its network and is expanding aggressively on routes to India. Direct Jet Airways flights to Australia would boost the feed of passengers onto Etihad’s network.
The article notes that the launch of direct flights from India to Australia would raise questions about the existing code-share agreement between Jet Airways and Qantas. Etihad also has a close alliance with Virgin Australia, while Qantas recently formed an extensive alliance with Emirates.
Yes — the article says that Air India began the only direct services from Delhi to Sydney and Melbourne about a month before the Jet Airways speculation emerged.
Airport officials from Sydney and Melbourne are believed to have met Jet Airways executives to encourage the airline to fly to their airports. Sydney Airport would not confirm discussions but emphasised that ‘India is a strong growth market for Sydney.’
Both Etihad and Jet Airways declined to comment on the speculation about direct Indian flights. The article also references comments from Qantas boss Alan Joyce about alliances, but no airline confirmed new direct-route plans in the piece.
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