'Air India hired foreign consultant to rework strategy'

In a bid to cut down expenses, Air India has appointed a foreign consultant to help plot its flight network, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

"National Aviation Company of India Limited has appointed Simat Helliesen and Eichner Inc. (SH&E) as Airline Management Solution Provider at a contract of $549,000 through a tender selection process," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in a written reply.

NACIL is the holding company of national carrier Air India.

SH&E, a US-based aviation consultant, has been contracted to develop network strategy, schedules and aircraft rotation for the combined entity (NACIL), including the low cost carriers, he added.
    
Replying to a separate question, Patel said that NACIL is in the process of operationalising three separate subsidiaries covering engineering, ground handling and cargo.