MOT to work out of Air India’s overseas offices?

Air India, which is running in losses currently, may reportedly join hands with the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) for a working partnership overseas, under which tourist offices at around eight overseas destinations would shift to Air India offices. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and MOT are in discussions for the partnership, as part of the cost restructuring by the MOT, under which it will require to shut offices at prime tourist destinations, like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Toronto, Tokyo, Sydney and Milan. As part of the arrangement, India Tourism will pay rent to Air India along with a nominal amount for the service rendered by the Air India staff. Last year, MOT, which had 15 overseas offices, was asked by the government to reduce the number of offices in two-three years and shift operations to the embassies in those cities. Th shifting to embassies part has been in debate owing to security concerns and scepticism over manpower.