Grounded Boeing 777s Have Been Sold

Grounded Boeing 777s that previously flew with Jet Airways have been sold as part of an agreement worth tens of millions.

With a liquidation process underway for Jet Airways, which collapsed in 2019, three aircraft and six engines have been sold, according to a filing.

At the time of collapse, this airline had more than 100 aircraft in its fleet, including Boeing 777s, which were crucial to long-haul connectivity when not leased to other airlines.

Details On Boeing 777s Sold

The three aircraft sold are Boeing 777-300ERs, registered as VT-JES, VT-JEM and VT-JEV. All three aircraft are 14 years of age and were first delivered to the former Indian carrier in 2007.

VT-JES was first delivered to Jet Airways in July 2007, registered as VT-JEC. However, during its operational life, the airline operated alongside several other airlines.

From October 2009, leased from Jet Airways, the aircraft flew as TC-JJD with Turkish Arlines through 2011. From 2011 through 2013, Thai Airways operated it as HS-TKT, and from 2014 through 2016 it flew with Etihad Airways as A6-JAA.

Next, VT-JEM, first delivered as VT-JEF in September 2007, was operated by Turkish Airlines between 2009 and 2011 as TC-JJB, before returning to Turkish Airlines in 2013 and 2014.

Lastly, VT-JEV, first registered as VT-JEB and delivered to Thai Airways in May 2007, was operated as HS-TKH from 2010 through 2013. The aircraft was leased to Turkish Airlines for a year in 2015, then returned to Etihad Airways as A6-JAD from March 2015 through September 2015.

What Happened To Jet Airways?

Jet Airways collapsed in 2019 after years of mounting losses, spiralling debt, and decisions by senior management that put the carrier in a position of no return.

When Jet Airways acquired Air Sahara as part of a costly expansion, the business was left in a position where competition from other low-cost carriers and full-service carriers was eroding its market share.

Jet Airways had to abandon its long-established structure, and when rising fuel costs alongside current fluctuations eroded its margins, fund management became a glaring problem.

As the years progressed for Jet Airways, the struggles didn’t ease. Under its leadership, the business struggled and ultimately collapsed, suspending operations in 2019 after a failed emergency funding request.

Despite several attempts to get Jet Airways back in the air amid surging demand across India and the perceived need for another airline to enter the market, the collapsed business hasn’t re-emerged.