Government invites bids to sell 100 % stake in Air India

Government
has invited bids to sell its 100 per cent stake in Air India. Issuing the
preliminary bid document for the strategic disinvestment yesterday, government
set the March 17, as the deadline for submitting expression of interest.

As part of
the strategic disinvestment, Air India would also sell 100% stake in low-cost airline
Air India Express and 50% shareholding in joint venture AISATS. Management
control of the airline would also be transferred to the successful bidder.

Civil
Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that Air India along with Air India
Express is a great asset and the successful bidder will continue to use Air
India brand.