SpiceJet giving 'first preference' to Jet employees, says already hired over 500 members

No-frills airline SpiceJet on Friday said it is giving “first preference” to those who have lost their jobs due to the debt-ridden Jet Airways’ decision of suspending its operations temporarily.

Left with no cash to continue flying, the once-mighty Jet Airways on Wednesday suspended operations temporarily -- a decision that has also left more than 20,000 employees as well as various other stakeholders in the lurch.

Spicejet, in a statement, said it has already provided jobs to over 500 employees of Jet, including more than 100 pilots, more than 200 cabin crew and more than 200 technical and airport staff.

"As we expand and grow, we are giving first preference to those who have recently lost their jobs due to the unfortunate closure of Jet Airways. We have already provided jobs to more than 100 pilots, more than 200 cabin crew and more than 200 technical and airport staff," read the statement. 

"We will also induct a large number of planes in our fleet soon. SpiceJet is making all possible efforts to minimise passenger inconvenience and serve Indian customers who are finding it difficult to get seats in this busy season," it added. 

Jet Airways owns 16 aircraft, including 10 wide-body Boeing 777-300 ERs, rest of the planes were on lease. The full-service carrier had more than 120 planes in its fleet last year.

Meanwhile, the lenders ways to utilise about 15 planes owned by Jet Airways and also discussing with authorities on protecting the valuable assets, including airport slots owned by the carrier. 

As they wait for completion of the bidding process for stake sale, the domestic lenders, led by SBI, are looking at options to raise funds from available assets of the carrier, which has served the Indian skies for nearly 26 years.

On Thursday, a government official had said that with Jet Airways suspending its operations, as many as 440 slots were vacant at Delhi and Mumbai airports which will be allocated to other airlines in a transparent manner.

From being clueless on how to find money for their children's school and college fees, to paying rent for their accommodations, the 22,000-odd employees of Jet Airways are looking for answers and for most, the answers lie in immediate funding from lenders.

With substantial number of employees having been with Jet Airways for around 20 years, getting another job is also not easy considering the age factor and the job market situation.