Several Indian carriers, including Naresh Goyal-led Jet Airways and Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines have expatriates overseeing the operations as chief executives.

The lookout for a chief operating officer was formally announced by Chairman and Managing Director Arvind Jadhav during his first press conference earlier this month as part of his turnaround strategy for the carrier over some 40 months.

The civil aviation ministry has also recommended fresh government equity for the carrier for acquisition of new aircraft and to help in tiding over one of the worst crises it has ever faced.

The ministry has, however, ruled out any form of divestment.