AI open to acquisitions: Thulasidas

MUMBAI: Air India is open to acquisitions abroad to consolidate operations overseas, particularly in Europe, its chairman V Thulasidas said on Monday.

"We are open to expanding overseas. Acquisitions in Europe could be explored," Thulasidas said when asked to comment on the carrier's expansion plans.

Thulasidas also said the merger of Indian and Air India would be accomplished by end of next month and necessary formalities in this connection were being completed in the Ministry of Company Affairs.

"However, the Civil Aviation Ministry would have to take up the issue of seeking exemptions on stamp duties worth crores of rupees with the states," he reasoned.

Thulasidas said the work on route rationalization for both entities pending formal merger would begin soon and certain routes like Singapore, Gulf and Bangkok have been identified where both the carriers fly.

The AI chief said discussions were on with experts to finalise the reservations system and that e-ticketing for the merged entity would commence by December this year.

He said the carrier would have to scale down expenses to offset the expenditure owing to high Aviation Fuel Turbine (ATF) charges.

He also said Air India was partnering Boeing to set up a Manufacturing, Repairing and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Nagpur and a third partner would be decided in due course of time.