Jet Airways gains nearly 20 per cent after Etihad deal

Mumbai: Shares in Jet Airways surged as much as nearly 20 per cent after Gulf carrier Etihad Airways said it is taking almost a quarter stake in Jet Airways at Rs 754.74, a 31.7 per cent premium to Jet's closing share price on Tuesday.

Etihad will also invest an additional $150 million in Jet's frequent flyer programme and spend $70 million to buy Jet's three pairs of Heathrow slots through the sale and leaseback agreement announced in February.

The deal sets a valuation benchmark for further investment in Indian airlines, with budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd frequently the subject of stake sale reports.

As of 9:25 am, Jet shares were up 14.3 per cent. Spicejet gained 10.5 per cent, while Kingfisher Airlines Ltd gained 2.2 per cent.