Six new airlines are expected to fly the Indian skies next year, the government said today as it asked states to join hands to promote regional connectivity and help the aviation sector meet its burgeoning losses by reducing taxes on jet fuel. 

"Most of the airlines in the country are reported to have incurred losses and some airlines are struggling to stay afloat despite a high (air traffic) growth rate," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said at a meeting of state civil aviation ministers.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said six airlines would start operations in the next year. He, however, did not name the air carriers. 

While AirAsia India has launched operations, Vistara, the Tata-SIA joint venture carrier, would start flights from January nine. 

Earlier this year, the Ministry had said that three more companies - Quickjet Cargo Airlines, Ligare Aviation and LEPL Projects (Air Costa) - had been given air operator permits after they completed the process for launching new airlines. 

Urging states to join the Centre in its initiatives to promote regional air connectivity, Raju said, "The states understand the need to lower taxes. Some states have already come on board." 

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