As Jet airways struggles to survive, its founder Naresh Goyal found an unlikely support from embattled Vijay Mallya.

Mallya in a tweet has expressed his solidarity with Naresh Goyal, who has stepped down from the board of the airline and recently pulled out of the bidding for the airline, thus relinquishing any attempt to retake control of the airline that he ran until last month. The development came after some of the prospective investors objected to his entry.

Mallya sympathised with the Goyals tweeting, “Even though we were fierce competitors, my sympathies go out to Naresh and Neeta Goyal who built Jet Airways that India should be extremely proud of. Fine Airline providing vital connectivity and class service. Sad that so many Airlines have bitten the dust in India. Why?’ Mallya asked on Twitter.

Even though we were fierce competitors, my sympathies go out to Naresh and Neeta Goyal who built Jet Airways that India should be extremely proud of. Fine Airline providing vital connectivity and class service. Sad that so many Airlines have bitten the dust in India. Why ? — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 16, 2019