The Centre is planning to offer 20-25 per cent of its stake in Indian Airlines and Air-India to the public and the national carriers will have the same status like the listed public sector oil companies on the stock exchanges.

"The Centre is planning to offload its 20-25 per cent stake in IA and A-I and companies will be listed on the stock exchanges," Union Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in Mumbai on Friday.

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Patel, however, said the government has not decided on the exact number of shares to be offered to the public.

"But I can assure employees of the two national carriers that the public sector unit character will be intact even after the divestment," the minister said while inaugurating ATM and computerisation of Air Corporation Employees' Co-operative Bank Ltd at the domestic airport in Mumbai.

The government has also firmed up its resolve not to privatise these two national carriers, Patel said.

Asked about the Open Skies Policy, Patel said the policy would encourage trade and tourism in the country, in addition to other indirect benefits.