Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, has achieved a major milestone — the induction of the 100th aircraft into its fleet. The airline accepted a brand new, Next Generation Boeing 737-800 with sky interiors in Seattle on November 15, 2011.
The 100th aircraft will be the third all new Boeing 737-800 configured with 8 Premiere and 162 economy seats, and will commence commercial operations from December 5, 2011. New improved passenger service units and a significantly quieter cabin will add to the comfort of the guests. Another feature that will most definitely be appreciated by guests is the new pivot bins, which afford greater overhead bin capacity for storage. The new Boeing 737–800 aircraft also possess superior on board, sound quality and clarity through new speakers that have been improved in each passenger row. The all new Sky Interiors with curved cabin architecture further provide a feeling of openness and space.
The all new Boeing 737-800 will also be replete with bright new colors and décor of the aircraft with modern, sculpted sidewalls and larger windows, combined with the effect of the light-emitting diode (LED) lighting significantly enhancing the sense of spaciousness in the cabin. Besides, the LED lighting can portray different color schemes like a soft blue sky and a relaxing pallet of sunset colors, while providing for maximum efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Jet Airways had set about its mission of becoming the preferred airline for its guests in India as early as 1993 by flying the most modern generation, fuel-efficient Boeing 737-300 aircraft in Indian skies.
In December 1996, Jet Airways signed a Purchase Agreement with the manufacturer for the acquisition of 10 Boeing 737-400/800 aircraft, thus becoming the country’s first private airline to acquire its own fleet of new aircraft.
Jet Airways was the first airline in Asia to fly the Next Generation Boeing 737-800, barely seven months post the commercial induction of such aircraft in the United States. The airline was also the second airline in Asia to induct the Boeing 737-900 aircraft, besides being the second airline in the world to operate Next Generation B737-700/800/900 aircraft.
Later on in 2007, Jet Airways embarked on the first phase of international expansion with the induction of wide-bodied Airbus 330-200 aircraft in 2006 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in 2007.
“The delivery of our 100th Aircraft is a major milestone for everyone at Jet Airways. The airline has always chosen to utilize the very best in next generation avionics to ensure superior quality, reliable service and above all customer satisfaction. A case-in-point being that we were the very first airline in India to fly the modern generation, fuel-efficient Boeing 737-300 aircraft in Indian skies. Later the induction of the Boeing 737–800 made Jet Airways the first airline in Asia to fly the Next Generation aircraft barely seven months post its commercial induction in the United States. We are also happy to have worked closely with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) as a partner since 1995 and look forward for more fruitful affiliation in the years to come as Jet Airways plans to expand its domestic and international network,” Nikos Kardassis, Chief Executive Officer of Jet Airways, said.
The airline post the acquisition of its 100thaircraft, will fly to 76 destinations, including 24 international destinations making it one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.