Friday saw Jet Airways terminating the services of 43 trainee junior technicians on contract, which it said will help in restructuring exercise in the midst of the global financial downturn.

According to a Jet Airways spokesperson, "These personnel are on fixed term contracts and the notices have been issued in accordance to the terms of their contract and law."

The spokesperson, however clarified that some of them have been offered opportunities to work in other departments of the airline.

She specified, "This trimming of the workforce has been necessitated by the ongoing rationalization of airline operations."

Due to the global downturn, several global airlines including Jet Airways have been compelled to undertake various cost cutting measures. The downturn has also has badly affected the civil aviation sector, rising jet fuel prices and low passenger traffic.

Termination of the services of 1,500 personnel was announced by Jet last year; however it was forced to take them back following a public outcry.

Also the delivery schedule of its fleet acquisition plan has been reworked by Jet Airways and shortened services on several sectors, both domestic and international.