In reaction to the spreading global economic downturn, specifically in the USA and UK, Jet Airways plans to optimise its network, focusing more on its established international gateways and routes, the carrier said. The airline’s much heralded, recently established Mumbai- Shanghai-San Francisco route will be discontinued effective 13 January.

Passenger traffic between India and San Francisco will be served via Jet Airways’ London gateway in cooperation with partner airlines.

Jet Airways has already announced a code share partnership with United Airlines with connections between Mumbai and several US points via London in both directions. This will enable Jet Airways to continue to serve its San Francisco customers, under a 9W flight number, in a more economically viable manner, the carrier said.