Jet Airways seeks fund from NRI tycoon Yusuff Ali to stay afloat

New Delhi, Dec 8: Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal is reportedly in discussion with UAE-based NRI businessman M A Yusuff Ali, the owner of Lulu Group, for investment in his cash-strapped carrier. Naresh Goyal is also asking Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to increase its stake in Jet from 24 per cent to anywhere up to 49 per cent.

The publication mentioned that Yusuff Ali, who is close to the Abu Dhabi royals, may board Jet Airways only along with Etihad. “This will be a deal between Etihad and Yusuff Ali to take charge of the Indian carrier. It must be seen in the context of Etihad’s deal with Goyal,” a person familiar with the matter said. It may be noted that Yusuff Ali played a significant role in bringing the deal to a close between the two airlines five years ago. 

Etihad does not want the beleaguered Indian carrier to formally shut down its operations, especially after the Tatas — which had earlier showed interest in buying a controlling stake in the ailing airline, slowed down talks.

The publication quoted Yusuff Ali as saying, “I have no interest in buying an airline. My focus will be on my core areas of retailing and hospitality, where I will continue to invest.”

Naresh Goyal held talks with Yusuff Ali 10 days ago and discussed his buying a strategic stake in the carrier. However, Yusuff Ali was apprehensive about investing in an industry that loses so much money, the daily reported citing an unidentified person privy to this development. 

Last month, Jet Airways posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,261 crore for the September quarter. The debt-laden company urgently needs funds to infuse confidence among its lenders, employees and customers, say analysts.