The central government is close to inviting financial bids for flag carrier Air India, moving toward the sale of an airline that’s surviving on taxpayer money, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri has said.
The financial offers are expected to come in within 64 days from the date of request, he said, addressing the Times Network India Economic Conclave Friday.
The process is likely to be completed by May or June, he said. Bloomberg reported on the plan earlier Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. “It’s a question of taking the decision and handing over the airline,” Puri said, without giving details of the bidders who made the initial shortlist.
