JetLite to merge into Jet Konnect?

Jet Airways, which is operating two low-cost services under two different brand names, may soon converge the two

The aviation industry is abuzz with stories that Jet Airways -- India's largest airline carrier -- that is operating two low-cost services under two different brand names Jet Konnect and JetLite may soon merge the two. According to well-placed sources with the airline, the top management had met for a round of discussion and an announcement is expected shortly.


All in One: By merging the two, the airline aims at attracting more
passengers by offering better services. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

"The top bosses feel there's no point operating two no-frills brands, and hence they are planning to cease the services of one of the brands and merge it into another," the source said, adding that the plan was discussed on several occasions, including the company's annual general meeting.

The source also revealed that as per the primary discussion, the name that will be dropped is JetLite, as it does not have as large an appeal as compared to Jet Konnect.

Speaking with MiD DAY, M Shivkumar, senior VP (finance), Jet Airways, admitted that such discussions are on.

However, he clarified that nothing has been finalised yet. "We have three brands now -- Jet Airways, JetLite and Jet Konnect -- but we intend to keep only two. While Jet Airways will remain, we are discussing on JetLite and Jet Konnect," he said.

By making the said changes, the airline aims at attracting more passengers by offering better service.

Last year, Kingfisher Airlines had announced that it would shut down Kingfisher RED, as it does not want to compete in the low-cost segment.