Jet Airways, which has already expanded its fleet size to 28 aircraft (25 Boeing and three ATR 72-500 Turboprop aircraft) since its inception in 1993, has also announced the plan to acquire another 10 Boeings. The company is awaiting Government's approval to import these aircraft. The airline already has an approval to induct another two turboprop in the fleet. The company envisages over $500 million investment in the expansion plans, said Goyal.Besides increasing the number of aircraft, the company also plans to acquire a B737-700/800 simulator and a flight training device for training of its pilots for the new and next generation Boeing-737aircraft.

The airline also intends to set up an aviation academy in Mumbai for training of personnel at all levels. The company has yet to finalise purchase of land for the same, said Goyal, adding that Powai, in Mumbai's western suburb, is one of the potential locations.

Jet Airways is presently negotiating with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for the allocation of land at Mumbai airport for building a hangar for the maintenance facility. It is also awaiting allotment of a hangar at Delhi airport for the line and overnight maintenance of its aircraft parked at Delhi.

Commenting on the proposal for the new civil aviation policy, Goyal said that he hoped that it would provide a level-playing field to all the players in the industry. "It is unfair that Air India and other international carrier pay a lower price for aviation turbine fuel than the domestic airlines."

Besides, the civil aviation industry should also be given the status of infrastructure industry, he said, adding that it is anintegral part of infrastructure sector and deserved similar attention.