AIR INDIA is to get Rs. 1,200 crore equity infusion from the Government. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said the allocation made in the budget will come up for approval before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs this month. The minister said, this amount will be utilised to meet its financial commitments, mostly repaying of loans and interests for aircraft acquisition. He was talking to reporters in New Delhi today. Patel also confirmed that AirIndia has been empowered to take decision on hiring employees. Our correspondent reports that Air India, which has a debt of an estimated Rs. 18,000 crore, has sought recasting of its debt on the lines of Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines, which recently got RBI approval for debt restructuring. The airline has been working on a financial turnaround plan to enhance revenue and cut losses. The proposals include tapping of business opportunities by launching a feeder service, called 'India Hopper', with about 40 small aircraft by March next year.With a renewed surge in air traffic, Air India has improved its finances significantly in terms of revenue and yield. It has also enhanced savings on fuel by almost Rs. 350 crore and returned 16 leased aircraft.