The loss-making and debt-laden government carrier has earlier leased space in the 22-storey building to banks and offices but this will be first time that commercial eateries will be allowed in the premises.
On Tuesday, it offered space in the building to bidders on a three-year term.
The airline did not specify the total area being put up for lease but its tender notice said: “Minimum 1,000 sq ft area on the ground floor... would be offered for the opening of eatery joints.
Area of over and above 1,000 sq ft would also be considered, subject to space availability”.
Last year, State Bank of India leased four floors in the building; the ground floor has been given out to Bharatiya Mahila Bank. Rents in Nariman Point are Rs 250-2,775 a sq ft for offices.
“AI can fetch about Rs 450 per sq ft if it leases premises to fine dining restaurants,’’ said Raja Seetharaman, managing director of Aperon Realty.
Under its asset monetisation plan, AI plans to earn Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) by March 2016 but its plans have been hit due to tepid market conditions.
In 2013-14, the airline estimated it would earn Rs 1,200 crore (Rs 12 billion) through sale and lease of its land and properties but earned only about Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million).
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