(a) whether the Government has privatized the Air India in the recent past;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any provision for arrangement of air lifting of Indian citizens residing in other countries during any emergency has been included during the process of privatization of the National Carrier;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the manner in which the Government proposes to handle such situation in future?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))
(a) and (b): Yes Sir. M/s Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of M/s Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. won the bid for sale of 100% equity shareholding of Government of India in Air India along with equity shareholding of Air India in AIXL and AISATS. The winning bid was for Rs 18,000 crore as Enterprise Value consideration for 100% shares of Air India along with AI''s shareholding in Air India Express Limited and AISATS. The process of disinvestment of Air India has been completed on 27.01.2022.;
;
(c) to (e): Provisions in this regard exist in the Aircraft Act, 1934. Section 6 of the Act provides that the Central Government in case of any exigency/contingency, may issue an order to direct inter-alia any aircraft or class of aircraft, to be at the disposal of the Government for public service. This was notified by the Central Government vide Notification No. S.O.281 (E) dated 22.01.2009.
******