Banks, lenders working on Jet Airways issue: Suresh Prabhu

Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said here on Monday that the problems faced by Jet Airways are owing to a financial crisis and lenders and bankers were trying to sort out the issue with the shareholders.

Replying to a question at a press conference the Minister said, “Banks and lenders are working on it. We are already proactively working with everybody who needs support and help, whether they are employees, customers or passengers. We are here to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers as well as the welfare of employees.”

“This essentially is a financial crisis. Lenders and bankers are trying to work with the shareholders in the present issue,” Mr. Prabhu said.

“We are concerned and proactively working with all in the aviation sector. When individual airlines face certain challenges we try to ensure that the sector remains viable,” he said.

“Safety, convenience and overall growth of all stakeholders is important and the government will definitely work on this. I am sure lenders and shareholders are working with each other, and I hope they find a good solution,” he said.

When told that the high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in the country were resulting in most airlines becoming red, the Minister said, “This has been a problem for long. My view is that ATF should be brought under the GST.”