Revival plan for Air India on track: Praful Patel

New Delhi, Sep 16 (ANI): Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said here on Wednesday that a revival plan for national carrier Air India is on track and his ministry will soon approach the Union Cabinet for approving infusion of equity.

Speaking to newsmen, on the sidelines of the symposium on cooperation between India and Asia in the aviation sector, Patel said the revival plan is in the process of being finalised.

He said the ministry has initiated the measures to cut expenditure, increasing revenue and rationalising routes and also to reduce Air India's high cost debt with low cost debts.

In his speech at the symposium, Patel expressed cautious optimism about the revival in the aviation sector and urged private airlines to reduce costs and focus on low cost carriers

He suggested airlines operate through shorter air routes that were less congested.

Reiterating his ministry's commitment to aviation safety, Patel said it tops the agenda of the civil aviation ministry. (ANI)