India’s state-run airline will have to cease operations if it is not privatized, the country’s junior minister for civil aviation said in parliament on Wednesday, in response to a lawmaker’s question on the subject.
A group of officials, including India’s home and finance ministers, is finalizing the process of inviting bids from the private sector for the loss-making national carrier.
The company has profitable landing slots in India and across the world, but has been a burden on the exchequer for years.
Officials are still deliberating over some details, said junior civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Once they are finalized, the government will invite bids, he said, adding that India is committed to selling the company.
Last year it failed to attract any bidders when it tried to sell a 76% stake in the airline and offload about $5.1 billion of Air India’s debt.
It is now re-evaluating some of the terms and is open to selling the airline in its entirety, Puri said in a written response to a separate question in parliament today.
It is also significantly reducing its debt to make it more attractive.
One of the biggest hurdles however is its large number of employees – Air India has about 9,400 permanent staff and 4,200 contract workers.
Puri said in parliament that the government is committed to securing a deal that is favorable for the employees.
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