Speaking to reporters at the global Indian entrepreneurs conference organised by Ficci and India Investment Centre here in Thursday, Kumar said the chief ministers of Andhra, Punjab and Gujarat have already held meetings with him in this regard.

Kumar added that investment for these airport projects would be invited through global tenders to be floated by the respective state governments in consultation with the Airport Authority of India.

The minister stated that the government has finalised a policy to permit up to 100 per foreign equity participation for construction and management of airport projects in "special cases". In other cases, 74 per cent foreign equity would be allowed.

He added that the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) will be required to take a view of proposals.

As for the government'sstand on the recent statement by the Air India chairman that some equity of the company may be shed to foreign investors, Kumar said the government is yet to take a view on this. The issue requires consideration at the ministry level and thereafter by the cabinet, the minister stated.

On the issue of not grounding foreigners working as crew members with airlines here, Kumar said, the policies in place allows availing certain technical services for a limited period of six weeks provided prior permission is sought from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Under these policies, Kumar said, wet lease is allowed only when there is shortfall of capacity due to maintenance and service.