New Delhi, March 10, 2010: National carrier Air India is expected to incur a loss of about Rs 54 billion during 2009-10 and the trend of losses is likely to continue for few more years, Parliament was informed.

Thus, the total loss incurred by the airline in the past three financial years is likely to reach Rs 13,174.16 crore.

"Air India has incurred a loss of Rs 2,226.16 crore and Rs 5,548 crore during the financial year 2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively. Air India is expected to incur a loss of Rs 5,400 crore approximately during the year 2009-10," Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in the Rajya Sabha.

"The trend of losses is likely to continue for few more years," Patel said, without specifying how long.