Jet Airways Suspends San Francisco-Mumbai Flights

Jet Airways will discontinue flights between San Francisco and Mumbai effective January 13, 2009. According to airline officials, the suspension is necessary to cut down on low performing flights. You may recall Jet Airways only began flying from SFO in June.

"We are suspending the flight on a temporary basis...because of the current economic situation we had to rationalise our network and take out the low-performing flights," said Sudheer Raghavan, chief commercial officer.

Although Jet Airways is a notable International airline with 400 daily flights throughout India and the globe, the airline was a complete newcomer to the San Francisco market. Jet Airways (softly) introduced the market to direct flights to India, but failed to offer compelling reasons for passengers comfortable with the status-quo to make the switch to a relatively unknown carrier.

If Jet Airways does decide to resume flights in the San Francisco market - and I hope they do, I suggest the airline re-introduce themselves on the following key strengths:

• Frequent flier program benefits; little, if any, communication was said about partnerships with U.S-based airlines to earn miles while flying Jet Airways. For example, Northwest and American Airlines both permit mileage accrual on some or all of Jet Airways flights.
• Product offered; Jet Airways operates a new Boeing 777-300ER on the San Francisco route, complete with the latest technological advances that put fun back into flying, and has 10 Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' planes on order. Compare that to other airlines operating older style aircraft lacking modern day comforts, style and ammenities.
• Brand name; while not recognized much on the West Coast, Jet Airways is the largest carrier in India and operates flights to several dozen cities throughout the world.

Jet Airways Launches SFO Service Saturday

This Saturday marks the inaugural launch of Jet Airways from San Francisco. The airline will begin operating flights from SFO to Mumbai, including a stop in Shanghai. The daily service departs SFO at 8:45PM, arriving first into Shanghai, then continuing on to its India hub in Mumbai. Visit www.jetairways.com for more information.

Jet Airways Launched San Francisco Flights June 14th

After initially signaling a slight delay in its debut, Jet Airways now says it will launch San Francisco flights beginning June 14th. It will be the first India-based carrier to operate service into San Francisco. The daily service departs SFO at 8:45PM, arriving first into Shanghai, then continuing on to its India hub in Mumbai. Fares are running about $880+ into Mumbai, plus $400 in taxes and fuel surcharges. Visit www.jetairways.com for more information.

Jet Airways Postpones Debut of SFO flights

In a short note, Jet Airways Public Relations stated the April 24th launch for flights to Shanghai and Mumbai from San Francisco have been postponed. They did not specify the reason, but said updates on the revised date will follow.
Click here for past stories discussing the Jet Airways introduction at SFO

Jet Airways to begin San Francisco - Shanghai - Mumbai Service

Jet Airways will begin daily service from San Francisco to Shanghai and Mumbai starting May 5th. The hiring process has been going on for months at SFO, and the company recently loaded the schedule, but so far is not selling seats.

The Indian carrier previously announced they would operate a new Boeing 777-300ER's on this route, which feature individual suites in first class, including a 23-inch flat screen TV, eight-point massage system, and Internet & email on demand. According to airline officials, the entire plane will feature an enhanced mood lighting system that changes depending on the time of day and the time zone through which the aircraft is moving. At night, cabin ceilings will feature a starry effect, while at dawn and dusk the lighting will be gentle.

Visit http://www.jetairways.com/ for the latest updates, information or to book tickets.

Indian carriers competing for San Francisco

Jet Airways and Kingfisher airlines, both India-based carriers, are competing for a San Francisco presence.

Jet Airways, which currently offers flights from India to the East Coast, has begun hiring at SFO as it moves its regional headquarters from New York. The airline has said it will commence Delhi to "West Coast" U.S operations next month. Meanwhile Kingfisher, ranked a 5-star airline by SkyTrax, announced flights from Bangalore to San Francisco will commence in August 2008. Flights from the Bay Area to India currently require at least a 22 hour time commitment, often with 2 connections. New service from S.F to India would likely reduce flight takes, and at least for now, be free of competition from U.S-based carriers.

Bay Area Departutes & Arrivals: Qantas, Jet Airways, Jet Blue, United

Qantas Airline's San Francisco - Vancouver service ends seasonal service on January 6th.

The airline was operating a limited 2 x weekly schedule with full onboard service and amenities, before it (and many of its passengers) continued on to Sydney.

Jet Airways has confirmed its San Francisco - Mumbai, India service will begin "soon". The airline has posted several employment opportunities at SFO.

United airlines has pushed back the inauguration of San Francisco to Guangzhou, China service to June 2007. Previously the airline announced plans to start flights on March 25th.

JetBlue will be chopping the Oakland-Ft Launderdale non-stop service come this January, just two years after they began service on this route.

San Francisco - Hong Kong $662 roundtrip, taxes included. United Airlines.
Fall fare valid through December 7. Minimum stay requirements apply.
Visit united.com fare basis code: SXLAX7

Jet Airways: SFO meets India, next year

Jet Airways airline appears to be gearing up for a San Francisco launch early next year. The airline is currently hiring for multiple positions at SFO, and a quick Wiki search revealed a February 2008 debut date. Although no press release has been issued as yet, the carrier had previously announced plans to operate a SFO-Mumbai, India route.

Interestingly, another Indian airline, Kingfisher, has plans to begin service from SFO to Bangalore, India next year as well. The Bay Area travel market continues to heat up.