In what could bring a sense of relief to the troubled Jet Airways, Delta Air Lines has expressed interest in buying a stake in it, report Financial Express. Delta is a major player in the US aviation market and is based out of Atlanta, Georgia.
Though it has been reported that Tata Group is moving swiftly to close a stake-purchase deal in Jet, Delta could buy a part of the stake held by founder Naresh Goyal along with the stake held by Etihad Airlines. While Goyal holds a majority stake of 51 per cent stake in jet, Etihad holds a minority stake.
MoneyControl has noted that a deal with both Tata and Delta appears to be stuck as both of them are requesting a transfer of control of the airline’s future, away from Goyal. Tata is already a major player in the Indian aviation market with investments in AirAsia and a joint venture with Singapore Airlines in Vistara. Delta is looking to expand its operations in India. It recently announced a non-stop flight to Mumbai from next year.
Swarajya has reported that India will become the third largest aviation market in the world by 2024, up from its current seventh position.