Govt open to idea of listing Air India

New Delhi, June 13 

The government is considering listing of debt-laden Air India after the proposal for 76% strategic stake sale failed to attract any bidders, a source said on Wednesday.

The source in the government said various options, including possible listing of the national carrier, are being looked at.

Listing of Air India would help in garnering revenues as well as retain control of the airline, the source said.

In a major setback, the government on May 31 said no initial bids were received for the proposed stake sale in Air India and that various options would be explored for the airline’s future.

The listing option is also being considered as reportedly there have been concerns among potential bidders about the government retaining 24% stake in the airline post disinvestment.

Under the proposed disinvestment plan, around Rs 33,000-crore debt would have remained with Air India. The national carrier’s debt burden was about Rs 50,000 crore at the end of March 2017. — PTI