Merged Air India holding company National Aviation Co. of India is planning to sell as much as 15% of the airline in an IPO next year, Chairman V. Thulasidas told reporters in Kolkata. The carrier currently is state-owned.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel confirmed the move in the Economic Times. He told the paper that "we are yet to take a view on the exact mode of equity dilution. Accenture and Ambit Finance, the consultants appointed to handle the merger, are now doing the valuation and we expect them to give a report by the year end."

Thuladidas also confirmed to reporters that Air India is in negotiations with Star Alliance regarding possible membership.