Air India opposes changes to ownership norms

Existing norms mandate 2/3rd of members of an airline's board must comprise Indian nationals

State-owned Air India has opposed changes to guidelines of ownership and control that will make it easier for a foreign entity to fully own an airline in India. Private airlines have already opposed the proposed changes.

Two Air India executives that Business Standard spoke to confirmed the airline had conveyed its opposition to the proposed changes to the civil aviation and commerce ministries. The development could dampen the government’s zeal to relax norms in order to attract foreign direct investment.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker last week announced it would start an airline in India, the world’s