With the government gearing up to re-start attempts to divest its stake in loss making national carrier Air India, aviation consultancy firm CAPA on Wednesday said the second attempt is expected to generate strong interest, especially from Gulf-based carriers who may bid for the airline in partnership with Indian conglomerates.
“Interest is likely to be strong this time around. We do not rule out the possibility of some leading global carriers–including those from the Gulf–participating in the bid in joint venture with domestic conglomerates,” CAPA said. The think tank also noted that there would be more interest in the airline if the government axes off AI’s debt. “Air India represents an attractive opportunity for investors if it is relieved of its working capital debt, which stands around Rs 30,000 crore” it said.
