New Delhi: Upbeat over the Jet-Etihad deal and the proposed launch of Air Asia India, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh on Tuesday said foreign airlines have realised the massive growth potential of the Indian aviation sector and were evincing keen interest in it.
With the government allowing foreign airlines to invest in Indian carriers, “it is clear that foreign airlines have realised the growth possibilities of the Indian aviation sector and are keenly interested,” he told reporters here.
Jet Airways has clinched a deal with Gulf carrier Etihad Airways, while IndiGo already has 49 per cent FDI, Mr. Singh said.
Caelum Investments, a US-based firm owned and run by former CEO of US Airways Rakesh Gangwal, owns 48 per cent of IndiGo. Other stakeholders include IndiGo’s parent company InterGlobe Enterprises which owns 51.12 per cent.
“While Air India has the best deal as they have the government as their bank, SpiceJet and GoAir remain to be taken-up. Only they can tell you (about their investment plans),” he said, adding that as far as Kingfisher Airlines was concerned, it was non-existent.
14/05/13 PTI/The Hindu
