AirAsia India Received Nod from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation

AirAsia India on 20 September 2013 got the all-important no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to start airline operations in India.

The NoC paves the way for launch of the proposed low-cost passenger airline, which is a joint venture between Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia, Tata Group and Arun Bhatia.

AirAsia India will now need to apply for an operator’s permit with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airlines operations expected to start from December 2013 or January 2014.

While AirAsia will hold a 49 percent stake in the proposed airline, the Tata Group will hold 30percent and Arun Bhatia 21percent stake. Earlier, Singapore Airlines and Tata group has applied to Government of India under the name of Tata SIA Airlines Limited.

The Tatas have a long history of association with civil aviation in India. In 1932 JRD Tata had started Tata Airlines, which was later in 1946 renamed as Air India and was subsequently nationalised in 1953.

Earlier in February 2013, Tata group had also announced a partnership with Malaysia's AirAsia for a low-cost carrier in India, wherein Arun Bhatia's Telestra Tradeplace Pvt Ltd is the third partner.

About AirAsia

AirAsia is Asia's leading airline was established in 2001 with the dream of making flying possible for everyone. Air Asia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for five consecutive years from 2009 to 2013 and has been ranked Top 5 among the most recognized and admired airlines in the Asia Pacific Top 1000 Brands 2008.

With a route network that spans through to over 20 countries, AirAsia continues to pave the way for low-cost aviation through innovative solutions, efficient processes and a passionate approach to business.