Will Tata Group finally get back debt-saddled national carrier Air India this September?

Air India could finally have a new owner by September - if the latest plans of the Indian government do take off. The government is inviting bids from those who qualified from the first round of preliminary submissions, including the Tata Group. All of which could finally put an end to a privatisation saga that has consumed a lot of time and effort for the government and all those interested in picking up an airline that has struggled with financial and operational burdens. A successful takeover of Air India will re-introduce a reinvigorated airline into the global aviation space and capable of serving key destinations. The carrier, once synonymous with India’s presence on the global stage, had seen its fortunes sag as a result of rampant bureaucracy, competition from all over, and changing traveller preferences. But the new owner will still have to account for a debt load of over $8 billion – unless the government helps out in some way. As per reports, Tata Group, part owner of Vistara and Air Asia India, and SpiceJet's chairman and managing director Ajay Singh have been shortlisted to bid for the carrier.<br/>