Despite an undertaking to not ground further planes, cash-strapped Jet Airways on Tuesday said 15 more aircraft have been grounded due to non-payment of lease rentals, reducing the operational fleet to just 20.
The full-service carrier had 35 aircraft, down 70% from its operational fleet of 119 at the end of December 2018. Jet last grounded seven aircraft owing payment default to lessors on March 22.
Jet’s management had assured the ministry of civil aviation on March 26 that no further planes would be grounded as its lenders led by State Bank of India (SBI) would provide immediate funding of `1,500 crore as part of the revival plan.
