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The Indian travel market has long been described as one of the most lucrative in the world, but even that may not be enough to save crisis-hit Jet Airways. The airline, burdened by over US$1b in debt, recently opened bids to investors, allowing them to own stakes in it. Etihad Airways, which already owns a 24% stake in Jet, is said to be one of the investors bidding for more shares. But analysts say there are still challenges ahead, even as Jet attempts to restructure. “The market offers enormous growth potential but it is extremely price sensitive and competition is intense. On top of this, airport and infrastructure [are] heavily constrained and fuel is made more expensive by a tax levy,” said John Strickland, director at London-based JLS Consulting. <br/>

SpiceJet said Friday it will prioritise hiring employees of Jet Airways who are losing their jobs after the crisis-hit Indian airline halted all flight operations indefinitely this week. "We have already provided jobs to more than 100 pilots, more than 200 cabin crew and more than 200 technical and airport staff," said Ajay Singh, chairman and MD of SpiceJet. "We will do more." Hundreds of Jet Airways employees protested in Delhi and Mumbai Thursday to push its management for answers about their future after the airline shut down all flight operations Wednesday having failed to secure new funding from its lenders. Jet Airways has lost many employees as the crisis unfolded. About 400 pilots have moved to other airlines, leaving Jet with about 1,300 pilots. About 40 engineers have also left. <br/>