Indian govt eyes FY25 sale of Air India subsidiaries
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Indian govt eyes FY25 sale of Air India subsidiaries

In the fiscal year 2025, the Indian government is contemplating the sale of its shares in the former subsidiaries of Air India, as stated by Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the secretary of the department of investment and public asset management.

Nevertheless, the privatisation of Container Corporation of India is not anticipated to progress in the near future. The subsidiaries being considered for divestment encompass Air India Air Transport Services, Airline Allied Services, Air India Engineering Services, and Hotel Corporation of India.

Pandey remarked, "The Air India subsidiaries can be taken up for disinvestment; they're part of the ongoing (pipeline)."

Previously, the government conducted road shows for the divestment of Air India Engineering Services Ltd and approved the divestment process last year. These assets are under the purview of Air India Assets Holding, a special purpose vehicle established in 2019 to manage the non-core assets and debt of Air India.

Although the Cabinet sanctioned the divestment of all subsidiaries in 2017, the process of soliciting interest in these companies is yet to commence. In contrast, there is no clarification from the government regarding the initiation of the divestment process for Container Corporation of India in the upcoming financial year.

On January 27, 2022, Tata Sons acquired a 100 per cent stake in Air India through its fully-owned subsidiary Talace Private Limited. Subsequently, it was announced that Air India and Vistara would merge into a single entity, likely to be completed by March 2024, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25 per cent stake in the merged entity.

Furthermore, Air India Express and Air Asia India will also be amalgamated to form a single low-cost airline. To realise this objective, the Tata Group devised an extensive transformation plan for the airline, including a significant expansion of its fleet.

Last year, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran stated at the BT Mindrush & BT Best CEOs Awards event, "The transformation is happening in human resources. We have completely revamped the technology. We are revamping engineering and ground handling. The entire fleet will get changed. We have made one of the biggest [aircraft] orders. And that's a very bold bet."

In June of the preceding year, the airline entered into purchase agreements for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing, following an announcement in February. The combined value of these purchase agreements, based on the list price of the aircraft, amounts to approximately $70 billion.

Air India's orders comprise 34 A350-1000, six A350-900, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 10 Boeing 777X wide-body aircraft, as well as 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo, and 190 Boeing 737MAX narrow-body aircraft. Additionally, the airline retains options to purchase another 370 planes, with 300 from Airbus and 70 from Boeing.

In the fiscal year 2025, the Indian government is contemplating the sale of its shares in the former subsidiaries of Air India, as stated by Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the secretary of the department of investment and public asset management. Nevertheless, the privatisation of Container Corporation of India is not anticipated to progress in the near future. The subsidiaries being considered for divestment encompass Air India Air Transport Services, Airline Allied Services, Air India Engineering Services, and Hotel Corporation of India. Pandey remarked, The Air India subsidiaries can be taken up for disinvestment; they're part of the ongoing (pipeline). Previously, the government conducted road shows for the divestment of Air India Engineering Services Ltd and approved the divestment process last year. These assets are under the purview of Air India Assets Holding, a special purpose vehicle established in 2019 to manage the non-core assets and debt of Air India. Although the Cabinet sanctioned the divestment of all subsidiaries in 2017, the process of soliciting interest in these companies is yet to commence. In contrast, there is no clarification from the government regarding the initiation of the divestment process for Container Corporation of India in the upcoming financial year. On January 27, 2022, Tata Sons acquired a 100 per cent stake in Air India through its fully-owned subsidiary Talace Private Limited. Subsequently, it was announced that Air India and Vistara would merge into a single entity, likely to be completed by March 2024, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25 per cent stake in the merged entity. Furthermore, Air India Express and Air Asia India will also be amalgamated to form a single low-cost airline. To realise this objective, the Tata Group devised an extensive transformation plan for the airline, including a significant expansion of its fleet. Last year, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran stated at the BT Mindrush & BT Best CEOs Awards event, The transformation is happening in human resources. We have completely revamped the technology. We are revamping engineering and ground handling. The entire fleet will get changed. We have made one of the biggest [aircraft] orders. And that's a very bold bet. In June of the preceding year, the airline entered into purchase agreements for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing, following an announcement in February. The combined value of these purchase agreements, based on the list price of the aircraft, amounts to approximately $70 billion. Air India's orders comprise 34 A350-1000, six A350-900, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 10 Boeing 777X wide-body aircraft, as well as 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo, and 190 Boeing 737MAX narrow-body aircraft. Additionally, the airline retains options to purchase another 370 planes, with 300 from Airbus and 70 from Boeing.

Next Story
Resources

Madhya Pradesh Champions Inclusive Tourism at Heritage Sites

On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh is taking a significant step toward inclusive tourism by making its historical sites accessible to all — especially persons with disabilities. The state is rolling out its ‘Accessibility Infrastructure and Development’ project at Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha, aiming to create a more welcoming experience at these iconic cultural destinations.The initiative, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, includes infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, Braille signage, w..

Next Story
Resources

Runwal Realty Onboards Sonam Kapoor as Brand Ambassador

Real estate major Runwal has unveiled a refreshed identity as Runwal Realty, signalling a renewed commitment to crafting spaces that stand the test of time. With this refresh, the brand unveils its new philosophy: “Building for Generations to Come” and welcomes Bollywood star and global fashion icon Sonam Kapoor as its brand ambassador. This evolved identity reflects Runwal Realty’s commitment to creating not just homes, but heirlooms—crafted through visionary design, meticulous planning, global design expertise and an unwavering focus on quality. With the customer at its core, each de..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport 2025: KPMG

KPMG’s latest report, The Great Reset: Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport 2025 edition, sheds light on the profound changes transforming the global infrastructure landscape. As industries adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, economic pressures, and technological advancements, the report identifies key trends and provides actionable insights for leaders in infrastructure and transport sectors. “In today’s interconnected world, the lack of standardized supply chain practices is not just an operational challenge—it’s an environmental and economic one. We’..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?