New Delhi: The UPA government won't privatise national carrier Air India but the airline needs to perform if it doesn't want to perish - this is what Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
"The airline cannot be complacent as there a lot of new airlines that are coming in. Both the management and employees of Air India must perform or perish," Mr Singh said, adding the government was committed to restructuring Air India's long-term debt to turn around the airline.
The minister was, perhaps, referring to the entry of foreign carriers into India's domestic skies. While Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has already bought 24% stake in Jet Airways, low-cost giant Air Asia is all set to start domestic operations in India along with the Tata Group.
The Tata Group has already announced another full-service carrier by tying up with Singapore Airlines.
06/10/13 Sandeep Phukan/NDTV.com
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"The airline cannot be complacent as there a lot of new airlines that are coming in. Both the management and employees of Air India must perform or perish," Mr Singh said, adding the government was committed to restructuring Air India's long-term debt to turn around the airline.
The minister was, perhaps, referring to the entry of foreign carriers into India's domestic skies. While Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has already bought 24% stake in Jet Airways, low-cost giant Air Asia is all set to start domestic operations in India along with the Tata Group.
The Tata Group has already announced another full-service carrier by tying up with Singapore Airlines.
06/10/13 Sandeep Phukan/NDTV.com
