Aviation stocks fly high as FDI norms take effect

Shares of aviation companies on Friday gained up to 6 per cent after the government implemented the decision to liberalise foreign investment in the sector.

Kingfisher Airlines soared 5.76 per cent to Rs 13.20, while Spicejet scrip gained 4 per cent to Rs 38.30 on the BSE.

Jet Airways rose by 2.44 per cent.

On Thursday evening, unfazed by opposition even from its own allies, government went ahead implementing its decisions to allow FDI in multi-brand retail and liberalise foreign investment in aviation and broadcasting sectors.

"The government of India has reviewed the position in this regard and decided to permit foreign airlines also to invest in capital of Indian companies operating scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services up to the limit of 49

per cent of their paid up capital," a notification by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion said.

This would now pave the way for much-needed equity infusion into Indian carriers which are in dire need of funds for operations.

Investments in the aviation sector would be made under the government approval route and the parties need to comply with regulations of Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Earlier, no foreign airline was allowed to invest in Indian carriers directly or indirectly.