Decision On FDI In Airlines In Two Weeks

New Delhi, Nov 17: Government is likely to take a final decision on allowing foreign airlines to pick up stakes in Indian carriers in a “couple of weeks”, with Civil Aviation Ministry proposing a 24 per cent cap as against 26 per cent recommended by the Industry Ministry.

“The Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed 24 per cent investment by foreign airlines. The Cabinet is likely to take a call on the issue in a couple of weeks,” official sources said here.

Asked about the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) proposing a 26 per cent cap, they said, “Whatever decision the government takes, everyone will have to accept”.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 49 per cent is now allowed in domestic airlines, but the policy currently bars foreign airlines from investing in them primarily on security grounds. A 26 per cent cap would allow a foreign investor to have voting rights in the board of an Indian carrier which is not allowed if the cap is 24 per cent.

From: http://ping.fm/3z33Z