Why national carrier Air India could remain with an Indian owner

Norms for international traffic rights a major factor

The government is unlikely to allow foreign bidders to have a majority stake in Air India, which is in the process of privatisation. The group of ministers (GoM) exploring ways to privatise Air India is of the view that Indian ownership is important for the national carrier tag to be retained, sources said. 

However, foreign investors will be able to participate in the bidding to own up to a 49 per cent stake in the loss-making carrier in a partnership with an Indian entity, it is learnt.

The international rules on airline ownership and control especially make it difficult for