GoM to discuss on investment cap in aviation

17 Jan 2012 Evaluate

A Group of Ministers (GoM) is likely to meet today to consider the proposal of foreign direct investment (FDI) in aviation sector. The group, chaired by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, will include the newly appointed Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy, and Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. The GoM is likely to take a final call on how much equity a foreign airline would be allowed to invest in Indian carriers.

Civil aviation minister, Ajit Singh, is said to be in favour of allowing international carriers to hold a more than 26% stake. While a Committee of Secretaries has proposed a 49% cap on FDI by foreign airlines, the Civil Aviation Ministry has asked the government to allow 24% and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has recommended 26%.

However, India at present bars foreign carriers from owning stakes in Indian airlines, though foreign investors are allowed to invest up to 49%. The higher permissible investment would come as a lifeline to India's struggling carriers, notably the heavily in debt, Kingfisher Airlines and Air India, which alone accounts for Rs 43,000 crore of the total aviation debt of Rs 70,000 crore.

The ministers will also discuss the group of secretaries' recommendation to allow domestic carriers to import fuel directly rather than buying it from oil marketing companies. This will help airlines to save at least a fourth of their expenses of Rs 10,000 crore on aviation turbine fuel. Airlines are currently paying high sales tax ranging between 4% and 28% in different states on ATF, which can be avoided by importing fuel directly.

Also with a significant rise in passenger traffic there is an urgent need to construct new airports and improve and modernize the existing ones. Opening up FDI will help bring in capital and technological expertise. It will also allow Indian carriers easier access to international routes. If these changes are allowed the ailing aviation industry can hope to see a brighter future.

© 2025 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×