One of the unnoticed announcements from yesterday’s Investor Presentation from Jet Airways is their plans to induct shiny new planes in their fleet. The airline has 75 narrowbody planes on order and is indicating an intention to buy 75 more. There are two indications of this in the presentation, one straight up.
Jet Airways Boeing 737 Max 8
The presentation states they intend to reduce maintenance costs, which clearly would happen once new planes start coming in the fleet. The airline plans to induct these planes from June 2018 onwards into their fleet, and have a total of over 25 such planes in the fleet by 2020. That would mean about one plane being induced in the fleet per month.
It also seems the new planes they will get will have in-seat power on each seat. Jet Airways already has introduced content streaming on their network, which will be continued on the new planes as well.
From what I’ve heard, these planes would be used by the airline to replace their ageing fleet. The average age of the Jet Airways 737 fleet is about 7.8 years as of now, while their key domestic competitor IndiGo does not allow their fleet to age beyond 6 years.
I am, of course, not expecting the airline to add lie-flat seats in their aircraft just like FlyDubai did recently, putting up 10 lie-flat beds up front on their new 737 Max planes.
FlyDubai Boeing 737 Max Business Class
Of course, one other point mentioned in the presentation could be great if it happened, for me personally at least. The airline states,
Increased focus on hospitality, innovation and consistency on service.
I’d seriously hope Jet Airways would have a renewed focus on catering and these kinds of situations don’t materialise.
.@jetairways this is clearly one of the most tragic meals you fed me ever! Eating took 5 mins, cleaning table 2 hours? pic.twitter.com/3nzwbjIW5E
— Ajay Awtaney (@LiveFromALounge) November 12, 2017
Bottomline
I do look forward to seeing what will be the new that Jet Airways will do with the new 737 Max 8 fleet. Actually, I hope Jet Airways takes this opportunity to redeem the workhorse of their fleet and get a better experience out there for the domestic customers as well who are a part of their fleet.
What expectations do you have from the new incoming Boeing 737 Max 8 fleet of Jet Airways?
“their key domestic competitor IndiGo does not allow their fleet to age beyond 6 years”
They sadly do these days. Ever since the NEO problems started, 6E are leasing frames much older than they used to, to make up for the capacity deficit.
Their average age might still be < 6 years, but not all their aircraft are.