KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 – With all the crucial executive appointments already announced for AirAsia India, the much-touted Indian low-cost airline is all set for a fourth quarter launch.
AirAsia Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the only remaining barrier prior to the launch, is several regulatory approvals from the Indian authorities.
“The whole process is almost done. I am going to India somewhere next month for some meetings and discussions.
“I do not think September would be a more realistic date. Maybe after that. But we would prefer if we can do it before the Diwali,” he told Bernama.
Hindus, worldwide, would celebrate Diwali (or Deepavali as it is known in Malaysia) on November 3.
However, Fernandes said it still depended on regulatory approvals from the Indian authorities.
“So far, the Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has said that the whole process is going on fine. That is certainly very positive news for us,” he added.
On Tuesday, AirAsia India appointed Tata Group veteran, Subramanian Ramadorai, as its first chairman.
The appointment of the former vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, came a day after the appointment of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, as the chief advisor to the board of AirAsia India.
Last month, AirAsia India announced the appointment of Mittu Chandilya as its Chief Executive Officer, to lead the company’s expansion in one of the world’s most promising aviation markets.
Chandilya, 33, assumed office on June 1.
AirAsia India is a joint venture between Air Asia, Tata Sons and Arun Bhatia of Telestra Tradeplace with 49:30:21 shareholding.
– BERNAMA
