Cabinet to review new aviation policy afresh; Yadav

The minister was in the city to inspect the working of various facilities of Air-India and discuss how to improve the organisation along with the top airline officials.

He added that A-I will also submit a comprehensive revival plan to the Civil Aviation Ministry in a few weeks. 8220;We have asked A-I to submit a comprehensive plan on revival of the company. This would include A-I8217;s present status and the future plans,8221; informed Yadav, adding that the goal was to make the organisation as viable as possible.

Yadav said the Centre would review the existing policy on civil aviation and propose a new policy soon. Though he refused to immediately give details, new policy on the anvil may deviate on the issues such has foreign equity participation in A-I, management control of the airline post disinvestment and the privatisation of other government-owned entities including Airport Authority of India AAI and Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd.

8220;We would soon examine the status of A-I, IA, AAI and Pawan Hans and prepare a revival strategy for all these organisation separately,8221; he said.

When asked if the expansion and disinvestment plans for A-I and Indian Airlines were being put on hold, Yadav said 8220;we have to wait as the policy is being given shape.8221;

The disinvestment of A-I may get further delayed due to cash cruch. According to the minister, the Centre does not have the required funds to make the initial investments in the airline, as suggested by the Disinvestment Commission.