Govt Rules Out Immediate Privatisation Of Air India

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has ruled out the privatisation of Air India in the near future. However, he also added that there have been suggestions from various quarters to privatise the state-run carrier.

A committee will be set up to chalk out the future roadmap for Air India. "It is essential to ensure that the national carrier achieves its full potential," the minister said.

Proposals for listing the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Pawan Hans on the stock market have also been made in the Draft Civil Aviation Policy. "AAI will be corporatised followed by its listing on the stock exchanges to improve efficiency and transparency," Raju said. He further added that listing of Pawan Hans would also be undertaken.

AAI looks after 125 airports across the country, including 11 international, 81 domestic and eight customs airports.