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Mumbai, Oct 16 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel has said the merger of Air India and Indian would take place by March 2007.

Speaking at a function to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Air India yesterday, Mr Patel said merger will be in the interest of both the companies.

Mr Patel said for the last couple of years, the aviation industry had not received due attention, but now the Central Government has focussed concentration on this sector and 68 new aircraft will be added to the Air India fleet starting November till 2012 to link Europe, US, Australia, Africa and other destinations across the world.

Mr Patel, earlier, garlanded a bust of father of the Indian aviation industry J R D Tata in the Air India building. Speaking on the occasion, Air India CMD Thulasi Das said the merger of the two airlines will lead to the emergence of a strong national carrier.

It was on October 15, 1932, that Mr Tata had flown a Puss Moth aircraft from Karachi to Mumbai via Ahmedabad. A laser show was also organised on the occasion. The 30-minute laser show showcased Air India's journey over the last 74 years. A new emblem was also unveiled for the 75th year on this occasion.