A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and airline company Jet Airways, facilitating the trade activities of Antwerp diamond companies with diamond centres like India. Through the agreement, Jet Airways will provides the Antwerp diamond industry with discounts from 10 to 50 percent for flights to India (Mumbai and New Delhi) and other destinations like New York, Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. In addition, Jet Airways is the only airliner that offers daily and direct flights to Mumbai.

Stefan Hollands, General Manager Benelux at Jet Airways: "In 2006, the so-called 'Diamond contract' was the first corporate deal signed at Jet Airways. It marked the start of a very successful and intensive cooperation. We look forward to further expanding our services, by providing the Antwerp diamond industry with direct flights to key destinations, such as Mumbai, Delhi, New York (Newark) and Toronto.

Ari Epstein, CEO AWDC: "We are very happy to continue the successful partnership with Jet Airways through this renewed corporate deal. Jet Airways' services actively support our trade relationships with India and deliver a significant added value to the day-to-day business of the Antwerp diamond companies."

In terms of trade, diamonds represent more than 80 percent of all Belgian exports to India. On a European level, Antwerp's diamonds take up a 10 percent share of total exports to India. The unique partnership between AWDC and Jet Antwerp diamond companies can enjoy these discounts through authorized agencies like HRG, Blitz Travel, Translloyd, Weinberg and Omnia Travel Antwerp.