Jet Airways seeks government permision to join Star Alliance: report

Jet Airways has reportedly sought government permission to join Star Alliance, according to Live Mint reports. Air India had been set to join the alliance last year, before its admissions process was cancelled as the carrier had not met all the conditions. In a letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Jet Airways senior VP planning and alliance Raj Sivakumar reportedy said: "In order to build the right global partnership and to support our future expansion plans, Jet has been evaluating the potential of joining a global alliance. We are pleased to inform you that we have made the decision to join Star Alliance. We request ministry approval to join Star Alliance. This would allow us to complete the comprehensive integration process as soon as possible in order to be better prepared for our planned international expansion". Jet also said it "has planned its international network anchored around the world class hub in Delhi and the fast developing Mumbai" and was thankful to the Ministry "for the grant of capacity entitlements and traffic rights to support this plan". Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab, following a Mar-2012 meeting with Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal, reportedly said the alliance was interested in the carrier's potential membership, stating: "Our members feel that the membership of Jet Airways in Star would be of mutual interest to them and Jet Airways, evidenced by the continuing discussions over several years. We trust that you share the same view".