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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the proposal which would pave way for much-needed equity infusion into India's airlines passing through acute turbulence as most of them are in dire need of funds for operations.
"The cabinet today approved the proposal of allowing foreign airlines to pick up to 49 per cent stakes in Indian carrier. Though FDI of up to 49 per cent, 75 per cent and 100 per cent was there in aviation sector, foreign airlines were not allowed," Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh told reporters after the meeting.
Current FDI norms allow foreign investors, not related to airline business, to directly or indirectly own an equity stake of up to 49 per cent in Indian carrier.
Allowing foreign airlines to pick up stakes in Indian carriers has been a long-pending demand of the aviation sector.
Most of the Indian carriers are suffering losses because of high taxes on jet fuel, rising airport fees, costlier loans, poor infrastructure and cut-throat competition.
Except IndiGo, all airlines have posted losses in the financial year ending on March 31.
Kingfisher Airlines, which is burdened with a debt of over Rs 7,000 crore, has been in the forefront of pushing for permission to allow foreign airlines to invest in domestic carriers.
Though Kingfisher has been pushing for FDI to boost the sector, Jet Airways and IndiGo have expressed reservations saying allowing global players in would lead to cartelisation and takeovers of Indian carriers.
The opening of the sector to foreign airlines may, however, bring good news for passengers who would benefit from more competitive fares, better product and services and better international connectivity.
The Manmohan Singh government had initiated the process in January but key UPA constituent Trinamool Congress was opposed to it.
Sensing that FDI proposals may be approved by the government, Kalanidhi Maran owned no-frill carrier – SpiceJet, had recently held "preliminary discussions" with a Gulf-based airline for potential investment in the budget carrier.
Foreign carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd have expressed interest in investing in Indian carriers.
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Kingfisher Air says eased FDI rules to help attract funds
India's ailing Kingfisher Airlines, hungry for funds, said on Friday it will now be able to re-engage with prospective investors in a more meaningful manner, after the government allowed foreign carriers to invest in local airlines.
The fortunes of Kingfisher, saddled with $1.4 billion in debt, hang on its ability to raise funds soon. It needs at least $500 million immediately to keep operating, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation consultancy.
This will open up a wide range of opportunities for both Indian carriers and foreign carriers who wish to participate in the strong growth potential for civil aviation in our country, Kingfisher said in a statement.
India opened up its supermarket sector to foreign direct investment and allowed foreign airlines to invest in local carriers in a spate of policy actions on Friday, a day after New Delhi raised the price of heavily subsidized diesel in a bold political move.
First the airlines want to sell their tickets at rock bottom price like the nukad wani does to pack the next door kirana walla out of business, but these Private Airline Management had to think that the commodities sold here is not Lentils and dals or other house hold items, where in you may sustain loss. No when these Private Airlines have found themselves in soop, they want investments from outside, why, is it why the Ministry had opened the sky for indian private players in the field of aviation. Stop all these, we indians are always happy to look at a White coloured body for saving ourselves, why not strike a balance and pave way for our stability. sorry to say but FDI is not a correct idea for us, Find who will profit from these investments, and who will loose, for a few Indians they might be benefited in the start but at a longer period will be loosers, every indian likes US to be at his door step but what about the rules to be followed, can we follow theirs
