Govt owes Air India Rs 750 cr for flying high and mighty

New Delhi. Air India, often at the receiving end of criticism for its sloppy performance, is yet to be paid Rs 750 crore by the government for flying Very Very Important Persons and defence services. The state-owned airline, which has steadily lost its once dominant market position to private competitors, often flies VVIPs such as the Prime Minister, ministers, and politicians with Z-category security. 
 
It also assists in evacuation operations. For instance, this year, Air India’s 144-seat Airbus A-319 evacuated people stuck in Port Blair during a cyclone. But, its bills are yet to be cleared. CMD Lohani confirmed the dues but said departments and ministries had promised to clear these soon. Business Standard

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