Tata Group and Singapore Airlines (SIA) could place fresh bids to acquire debt-ridden Indian national carrier Air India.

Previously establishing an India-based joint venture (JV) airline Vistara, both groups are currently keeping an open mind to place tender for Air India, said Vistara CEO Leslie Thng.

However, it was not clear whether the bidding would be placed jointly or individually.

“In previous years, both the Tata Group and SIA were seen making a few attempts to buy Air India.”

Thng was quoted by Livemint as saying: “I think Singapore Airlines has an open mind. It really depends eventually on whether there is a business case.

“I don’t think we know enough at this moment.”

In previous years, both the Tata Group and SIA were seen making a few attempts to buy Air India.

Thng added: “If you look at the history, Air India was in fact one of the pioneers in many of the aviation launches.”

Last October, Tata Sons executive chairman Chandrasekaran revealed the company’s intention of considering the acquisition of Air India, but did not make any comment on the SIA’s stand in this regard.

Vistara is set to introduce international flights later this year and expects to expand its fleet of A320 aircraft to 22 by this June, reported Business Standard.