As negative reports emerged on Jet Airways in the last week, Naresh Goyal, founder and chairman of the airline, said the company is developing a new group to improve public perception and the negative publicity at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday.

Recently, Jet Airways has been on the news for implying a salary cut of 25 percent, which it later withdrew, and reports emerged that the airline had funds only to last 60 days.

The airline, however, denied these reports. Reports on the airline willing to sell a stake were also denied.

Goyal said that all perceptions about the company will be corrected through a new executive committee, where Nasim Zaidi, former civil aviation secretary and Ashok Chawla, former chairman of Competition Commission of India (CCI) will chair these meetings.

Goyal said that this was one of the main reason for asking Nikos Kardasis, the former chief executive officer of the company, to return to Jet Airways.

Kardassis, who quit Jet Airways in 2013, took up the advisory role in May and advises Goyal and the senior management on cost-saving and productivity improvements.

Goyal ensured the company is looking to pick up and pass the turbulence period, "The company has a very strong codeshare network with partners globally."

The airline has been facing high costs due to the rise in the fuel prices, weak currency and the competition in the aviation market.

Goyal said the competition is increasing the capacity despite the rise in the fuel prices.

He also said that the company is looking to co-operate with Air India for engineering and flight operations as they have had several meetings with Pradeep Singh Kharola, Air India's chairman.

First Published:Aug 9, 2018 4:14 PM IST