Qatar Airways keen to launch a domestic airline: Jayant Sinha

Qatar Airways has shown interest in launching a domestic airline in India, said the Minister of State for Aviation, Jayant Sinha. The government is in talks with the airline, although no concrete plans have been given by the airline as of yet, he added.
Qatar Airways plans to set up an airline along with the Gulf nation's sovereign wealth fund, its Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said on Wednesday.

This will be the first of its kind airline venture in India that would be fully-owned by overseas entities. The proposal comes nearly nine months after the Indian government allowed 100 percent foreign direct investment in the airlines segment.

"Under the current FDI norms, an airline can hold a 49 percent stake in an Indian airline. Although, the airline can now hold the remaining 51 percent through a foreign investor," said Sinha.While the FDI norms have been relaxed, the government is yet to amend the regulations with respect to Air Operator Permit (AOP).
At present, AOP is granted only to an airline where substantial ownership is with Indian entities.

On several occasions earlier, Qatar Airways -- which operates a significant number of flights from India to Qatar's capital city Doha -- had explored the possibility of buying stake in Indian budget carrier IndiGo.With inputs from PTI. Watch video for more.