Bird Group interested in AI ground-handling unit

Firm confirms it moved for bidding with Aviation Ministry

Taking flight: Bird Group has sought a separate disinvestment of AI’s subsidiaries for unlocking of maximum value.

Delhi-based Bird Group has expressed interest in acquiring Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL), the ground-handling subsidiary of Air India as the Government goes ahead with the disinvestment of the national carrier.

The group confirmed that it had expressed its interest to the aviation ministry “in bidding for [the] ground-handling subsidiary of Air India - Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL),” a Bird Group spokesperson said in a statement.

Advisor appointment

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, “We have decided to appoint a transaction advisor for which administrative process will begin.” The Group of Ministers on Air India stake sale had met on Wednesday. When asked about the Bird Group’s interest in Air India, the Minister said, “These decisions [on Air India disinvestment] are to be taken expeditiously but in their normal course.”

The Bird Group has also requested the government for a separate disinvestment of Air India’s subsidiaries for unlocking of maximum value.

The group was founded in 1971 and has interests in travel technology, ground handling, aviation, hospitality, luxury retail and education services.

The company already engages in ground-handling activities at seven airports in the country, including Mumbai.