Jet may start direct flights between Mumbai and Brussels

MUMBAI: Private carrier Jet Airways may soon be launching a direct flight between Mumbai and Brussels to tap the huge passenger traffic between India and Europe.

A decision regarding the flight services will be taken soon and expected to be announced `in the next few weeks', a top Belgian official has said.

"We had a very effective talk with Jet top officials in Mumbai today where plans regarding the flight were also discussed," Secretary of State Vincent Van Quickenborne told reporters here on the sidelines of the inauguration function of Belgian visa application centre.

When contacted, Jet Airways Executive Director Saroj Datta declined to comment on the issue.

Earlier, during the Annual General Meeting, Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal told shareholders that the airline plans to connect several European destinations and the share from the International revenues would be close to 40 per cent of Jet's revenues in the next couple of years.

About the trade relation between India and Belgium, Van Quickenborne said the direct trade between both the countries have crossed USD one billion last year and "Belgium is the third most favoured investment destination for Indian companies after US and UK."

Vincent is touring India along with the country's PM and deputy PM on a "mission" of attracting investments from India.

"Apart from the diamond industry, Indian companies can also invest in other sectors like pharma and infotech. During our meeting with the Indian prime minister, we offered our expertise in newer energy systems," he said.