Some Japanese airlines in talks to invest in India: Ajit Singh

NEW DELHI: Stating that faith in Indian aviation sector has been restored, Ajit Singh, Aviation Minister told ET Now that more deals like AirAsia, Tata Sons JV may be in works. "We are aware of Etihad being interested and I have read somewhere that Japanese airlines are also in talks to invest here," Singh said.

Singh said he was not surprised by AirAsia and Tata Sons' plan to form a joint venture and went on to say that deal was in works for some time. "Tata group is big name in aviation sector, they are associated with Air India's Maharaja image," he said.

Singh feels that with opening of Foreign Direct Investment, airlines in India will now have access to management expertise that foreign carriers will bring.

Asked about the likelihood of Kingfisher Airlines being operational by this summer, Singh said that the company has not submitted a viable revival plan with the DGCA till now.

On the issue of some airlines complaining about 'high' ATF taxes, Singh said that the rules are same for all and the Finance Minister has to consider the fiscal situation of the economy before lowering these taxes.