(a) the current status of the process of disinvestment of Air India;
(b) the Government''s plan for Government-run international air services after disinvestment of Air India;
(c) the amount of money being owed by Government Departments to Air India in lieu of air travel tickets; and
(d) the number of days for which Air India gives credit to the Government Department and whether Air India receives any interest on the amount of travel tickets not paid during the said period?
The Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)
(a) The Preliminary Information Memorandum (PIM) for inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) for strategic disinvestment of 100% stake of Government of India in Air India along with 100% stake in Air India Express Ltd and 50% stake in Air India SATS was issued on 27.01.2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last date for submission of EOI was extended from to time. The Last date for submission of EOI was 14.12.2020. As per the process of the disinvestment, the Expression of Interest in response to PIM by any group or entity was to be submitted to the Transaction Advisor. Post completion of the evaluation of the EOIs received, the Transaction Advisor will directly intimate the Qualified Interested Bidders in relation to their qualification and the next steps for the proposed transaction.
(b) Even after the disinvestment of Air India and its subsidiaries, Air India as well as other scheduled airlines will be available to provide international air services. ;
(c) As on 31.12.2020, the total Air India dues against various Government Departments on account of airfare including dues towards VVIP Operations were Rs. 498.17 crore.
(d): Usually, the credit period for Government of India Departments varies from 15 to 30 days from the receipt of invoice and no interest is paid to Air India in case of non-payment within the credit period.