Article Posted on : - Jun 11, 2009

A file photo of Singapore Airlines plane at Changi Airport.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Global carrier Singapore Airlines is looking for "potential opportunities'' in India, which will help in consolidation of the aviation industry.”Singapore Airlines remains interested in potential opportunities related to the consolidation of the industry.

''... As we have said consistently we remain interested in future opportunities in India and China, both of which are important markets to us,'' Singapore Airlines Vice President, Public Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ionides, told PTI in an e-mailed statement.

At present, foreign carriers are not allowed to pick up equity stake in Indian carriers. However, recently Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Praful Patel, hinted that the government may allow foreign carriers to buy stake in the domestic airlines.

Meanwhile, when asked whether the company is in discussions for making investments in the country, Ionides said, "We have friendly discussions with other airlines on a regular basis but there are no talks at present on investments in Indian carriers".

Singapore Airlines operates flights to different destinations in the country. According to its website, the carrier has services to Ahmedabad, Amristar, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.