Livewel Aviation shows interest in Air India's ground handling biz

So far, four companies have shown interest in the ground handling business of Air India including Bird Group and Celebi Aviation.

Last month, Bird Group had shown interest in acquiring debt-laden Air India's ground handling business. The company wrote a letter to the aviation ministry showing interest in investing in the national carrier, Civil Aviation Secretary RN Chaubey had said.

Earlier, IndiGo had expressed interest in taking over the carrier’s international operations.

Air India is reeling under debt of nearly Rs 52,000 crore. Of this, about Rs 28,000 crore is working capital debt and Rs 4,000 crore is interest. Despite receiving Rs 24,000 crore bailout package, the airline has failed to turn its fortune.

In June this year, the Cabinet had given an in-principle nod for strategic disinvestment of the state-run airline.

A group of ministers led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley are expected to meet on Wednesday evening to discuss Air India’s divestment plan. The government is likely to divest Air India’s subsidiaries separately and hopes to complete the carrier’s disinvestment plan before the end of current year.