More than a dozen Air India aircraft have been grounded – some of them for years – awaiting engine replacements, a process that the airline is unable to carry out for financial reasons.
According to a Hindustan Times report, a source said that «at least 12 Airbus 320 aircraft are out of service. The airline needs more than ₹1100 crore (approximately $150 million) to make them operational. This is unlikely to happen, considering the ongoing privatization process».
Since the airline is almost ready to move into private hands, whether or not these planes will be back in operation will depend on the outcome of the process. «Unless a bidder emerges, the fate of these aircraft will remain undefined,» the source added. The tender is scheduled to conclude on September 15 and includes the sale of 100% of the government’s stake in the airline.
