NARESH GOYAL - The Dream That Took Flight
All through his career, he would hear the engines roar to life and feel the power of flight coursing through his veins. He knew that this was what he wanted to do in his life: to start his own airline that would take people to all corners of the globe.
Naresh Goyal not only founded one of the biggest airlines in India, but he also founded one of the best. Jet Airways, founded on May 5, 1993, became a symbol of flying pleasure for millions, connecting the vast cultures and traditions of India.
Though he dreamed of becoming a Chartered Accountant, financial constraints forced him to settle for a Bachelor’s in Commerce. In 1967, he started as a cashier in a travel agency with a monthly salary of just ₹300. Over the next decade, he worked tirelessly with international carriers like Iraqi Airways and Royal Jordanian Airlines, mastering the art of ticketing and sales.
In 1974, with a £500 loan from his mother, Naresh started his own agency, Jetair. When P.V. Narasimha Rao introduced the liberalization policy in the 1990s, Goyal seized the opportunity to launch Jet Airways. Following its IPO, he rose to become the 16th richest man in India—a journey that started from absolutely nothing.
His contributions were recognized globally. He served on the board of IATA and was awarded the "Commander of the Order of Leopold II" by the Belgian government.
Naresh Goyal’s story is a powerful reminder to every student and aspiring entrepreneur that no matter how difficult the start, anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.
Ravindra Zinjurke
Career Counselor, Journalist & Educator