Before deregulation, India had only two state-run airlines, Air India and Indian Airlines. Since 1991, about 45 private carriers have been approved. Of these, 29 have ceased operations while six have merged with other airlines. Today, there are only 10 airlines, including eight passenger and two cargo operators. Apart from InterGlobe Enterprises Ltd, which runs IndiGo, and Tata-backed Air India, there is Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, Alliance Air, FLY91 and IndiaOne Air. Blue Dart Aviation and Quikjet Cargo Airlines are the two cargo operators.
