Jet Airways appoints Sanjiv Kapoor as new CEO

The Kalrock Jalan consortium has appointed Sanjiv Kapoor as the chief executive officer of Jet Airways, the consortium announced on Friday. He will take charge on April 4, 2021.

Kapoor is currently the president of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. Kapoor is an airline veteran and before joining the Oberoi group, he held the position of chief strategy and commercial officer at Vistara from 2016 until 2019. He oversaw strategy, marketing, network planning and other functions as well. During Kapoor’s tenure, Vistara saw growth from 9 aircraft and 40 flights a day to 38 aircraft and over 200 flights a day.

Also Read | Russian firms rush to Chinese banks as sanctions hit

He was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and de facto CEO of SpiceJet in 2014-15. During this period the airline saw a cash crunch amid high oil prices which led to a change in ownership. Kapoor left SpiceJet in 2016.

The consortium is putting together a top management team as it looks to revive Jet Airways. Last month, it appointed former Sri Lankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Vipul Gunatilleka as the Jet’s chief financial officer. Jet Airways had to close its operations in April 2019 due to a major financial crisis.

Also Read | Moscow based gas stations in US face backlash for Russia-Ukraine war

“Sanjiv is a people person and has all qualities of a great leader. I am certain he will be able to lead Jet Airways and make it become the most preferred full-service carrier of India. Sanjiv is a seasoned aviation professional who has the right blend and demeanour to stitch a team together,” said Murari Lal Jalan, Lead Partner of the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium and proposed Non-Executive Chairman of Jet Airways.

Also Read | Explained: A look at weapons used by Russia in war against Ukraine

Even though the Airline has been out of operation for three years, it still has a large fan base of loyal customers who miss it every day and can’t wait for it to take to the skies again.

Also Read | Vodafone Idea shares tank 3% on approving Rs 14,500 crore fund-raising plan

“Working together with a very strong team of experienced aviation professionals that is being put together by the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium, I look forward to leading the charge in rebuilding Jet Airways into the most preferred customer-oriented airline once again, a people-focused airline for the digital age,” Kapoor said in a statement.