The government of India has launched a privatisation process for two of Air India’s former subsidiaries, namely the groundhandling service provider AI Airport Services Limited (AIASL) and maintenance unit AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), an official confirmed to the Press Trust of India.

When Tata Sons assumed control of Air India in January, the government opted to retain four major subsidiaries, the others being regional carrier Alliance Air (India) and Hotel Corporation of India Limited, as well as other non-core assets.

These subsidiaries and assets, collectively valued at the time at INR150 billion rupees (USD1.88 billion), were transferred to a new holding company, Air India Assets Holding Limited, to prune them for future suitors.

“The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management has initiated investor meetings and roadshows to gauge interest in AIASL and AIESL. We will soon invite expressions of interest from interested bidders,” the official said.

The process to sell Alliance Air and Hotel Corporation of India will also start soon, the government representative added. The comments confirm reports that emerged in July that Delhi had begun work on privatising the Indian flag carrier’s former subsidiaries.