The US-based Jet Airways Inc, which has objected to permission to Jet Airways (India) to fly to the US saying it has links with Al-Qaeda, has submitted a CD along with an affidavit to the US Transport Department, alleging direct links between the airline and Dawood Ibrahim.In what is seen as a reply to the rebuttal sent by Jet Airways (India) after the initial round of allegations, Jet Airways Inc has now said it has substantial proof that Dawood Ibrahim — designated international terrorist by the US — has invested in the airline.The affidavit submitted on Friday on behalf of Nancy M. Heckerman, CEO of Jet Airways Inc, alleges that Jet Airways (India) head Naresh Goyal and Dawood Ibrahim are in touch with each other, which has been established by Indian intelligence agencies. It urges the US Transport Department to get Jet Airways (India) to furnish documents related to its initial funding in 1991. In making this point, the company draws attention to the CD it has submitted, which it claims is sufficient proof.The company alleges that most of the money raised through the initial public offer by Jet Airways (India) was ‘‘pumped into the market by Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar through a system called hawala.’’All this has also been submitted by the company to the US Department of Homeland Security which is currently examining the application of Jet Airways (India). It may be noted that Port Authority of Newark and New Jersey have supported the application of Jet Airways (India).While making allegations against the Indian carrier, Jet Airways Inc provides no details of its own performance. The company does not own a single aircraft and is yet to start scheduled operations.In response to the point made by Jet Airways (India) that it was a large airline with a steady performance compared to its US challenger, Jet Airways Inc says the main issue is links with Al-Qaeda. It still does not furnish any details about its own plans.Meanwhile, the matter is still under examination of US authorities with Jet hopeful of securing necessary clearances soon. However, it may still have to postpone the launch of its flights to US, planned for June 23.Jet Airways appoints US law firm MUMBAI: Jet Airways has engaged American law firm, Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, to initiate legal proceedings against Jet Inc Jet Airways Executive Director S.K. Dutta said Martin London, a partner in the litigation department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, will lead the legal team on behalf of Jet. ‘‘The primary motivation of Jet Airways Inc in filing the objection arises out of a trade name registered by them in 2004 that is currently being addressed before the US Patent and Trademark Office. Jet Airways Inc has no airline operating permit and it has no aircraft,’’ a company release said.
