The SkyTeam airline alliance is looking to recruit members in India and Jet Airways is one of the most likely targets after Etihad Airways, which has a formal partnership with Air France-KLM, bought a stake in the Indian carrier in April.
SkyTeam managing director Michael Wisbrun confirmed it may add Brazilian carrier Gol and UK-based Virgin Atlantic, but the alliance, which is dominated by Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, is also looking to recruit members in India.
Wisbrun told Bloomberg the Indian carriers would need to undergo further change before they could be admitted to the alliance but he said Jet Airways would be a candidate for recruitment.
Jet Airways’ potential addition was further boosted by Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways buying a 24 percent stake in the Indian carrier in April, Wisbrun added.
Jet Airways is India’s largest carrier and in April Etihad bought a 24 percent stake for around $379m, the first by an overseas operator in an existing Indian carrier since the country relaxed ownership rules in September to allow foreign carriers to buy up to 49 percent in local airlines, which face stiff competition and high operating costs.
Wisbrun also confirmed that SkyTeam was not currently in talks with Etihad itself, not is it looking to entice German carrier Air Berlin – in which the Abu Dhabi carrier owns a stake and which is a member of the rival oneworld alliance – to join the alliance.
Other prominent members of SkyTeam include Russia’s Aeroflot, Italy’s Alitalia, Czech Airlines, US-based Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, Middle East Airlines, Saudia and Vietnam Airlines.
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