Nikos Kardassis, the former CEO of Jet Airways, who made a come back to the carrier in an advisory role and was tasked to turnaround the cash-strapped airline, has once again parted ways with it, a source said.
The Greek-American aviation veteran in his third come back to the Naresh Goyal-controlled Jet Airways in May this year was roped-in to revive the fortunes of the full service carrier following its dismal financial performance since January this year.
“Kardassis, whom Goyal roped-in to help him in the airline’s turnaround plan, had gone on leave to his native place in November but after that he did not return,” said a source privy to the development.
The former chief executive parted ways with the airline after Goyal initiated discussions with his investment partner Etihad Airways for further stake sale to garner funds, said another source.
Jet Airways did not respond to queries on the issue.
Amid persisting financial turbulence, the airline has been implementing a turnaround plan, which includes both cost saving and revenue enhancement.
With three back-to-back quarterly losses and a net debt of Rs 8,052 crore as on September 30, the airline is also working on ways to raise funds and reduce costs.
The UAE national carrier Etihad Airways holds 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways, which it acquired in 2013.
“Kardassis had in 2013 also quit the airline as its chief executive officer as he was largely kept out of discussions on the deal with Etihad at that time,” said the source close to the development.
Goyal had brought Kardassis on board to help him and the senior management on cost-saving and productivity improvements, in the aftermath of Rs 636.45 crore loss in FY 18, with March quarter loss alone of a massive Rs 1,036 crore.