Air India privatisation will level the playing field in India: IATA chief

Air India’s divestment will bring in much-needed reforms in the aviation sector as the proposed privatisation will equalise the competitive landscape in the country, the head of the IATA told ET. “It will improve the competitive condition in India because no one will be able to claim that they have special support from the government… I have heard many operators complain about the support received by the flag carrier,” said Alexandre de Juniac, DGand CEO of IATA. “It (divestment of AI) will equalise the competitive landscape in the country.” The government is in the process of selling 100% of Air India and its low-cost international subsidiary Air India Express, as well as 50% in the ground-handling unit AISATS. It has received initial inquiries from multiple parties after a failed divestment attempt in 2018 and several extensions in 2020.<br/>