The Hindu Business Line : Sahara examining option of low-cost airline: Chairman

THE Sahara group, which has diverse interests including running Air Sahara, is examining the option of not only launching a low-cost airline but participating in the modernisation and restructuring plans of Delhi and Mumbai airports, according to Mr Subrata Roy, Managing Worker and Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar.

"We are discussing the option of launching a low-cost airline. We have asked our people to prepare a paper on this. The most important thing is not to copy or follow other such models existing in other countries. Besides, the airline should be healthy, sturdy and, most importantly, safe," Mr Roy told newspersons after emerging from a meeting with the Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel.

While being non-committal on the group's participation in the proposed restructuring of Delhi and Mumbai airports, Mr Roy only said that no initiative had been taken on that proposal as yet.

"We cannot be a major player in the process as we are only allowed a 10 per cent stake in the project. Maybe, we will participate. We may tie up with an Indian company," he said.

The Government has fixed July 20 as the last date for submission of expression of interest (EoI) to participate in the restructuring process.