Air India privatisation: Govt to offer lucrative deal, says minister Puri
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri said on wednesday that he is hopeful that concrete offers will come for Air India’s sale as terms for the bid are being revised in a big way.
“Last time the government was holding 26 per cent stakes in Air India but now things have changed…and it seems that buyers will come forward to make offer for AI, the flag carrier airline of India,” said Puri.
In an exclusive interview to IANS, Puri said that operating costs cannot be met with existing structure and its high time to sell Air India which at present has one of the most modern fleet in the industry.
“If situation prolongs, a time will come when Finance Ministry will not support us financially. Then we have only one option left… to approach the banks to keep Air India flying,” said Puri who also holds the important portfolio of Urban Development.
