Air India divestment should come with liberal terms: Top aviation official

Air India's divestment should come with liberal terms for allowing more in-bound international flights to create a healthy competitive environments, a top aviation official said Sunday. Given the full-fledged commercial operations with international competition from major airlines, Air India should match in profits its competitors such as SIA, Binit Somaia, director for South Asia at CAPA said. "If Air India is privatised, the policy setting rules will improve," said Somaia. Air India has strong fundamentals, a fleet of about 150 aircraft, well established international routes and slots at airports, he said. "Also, India has the geographical location to be a major global hub," he believes. But he feels that carrier's divestment should also come with liberal terms, allowing more in-bound international flights for a creating a healthy competitive environments. <br/>