AirAsia to hit Indian skies in 2008

Mumbai, June 13: Malaysian low budget airline AirAsia will start its operations in India by the third quarter of 2008, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said today at the sidelines of the fourth Annual India and Middle East low cost airlines symposium.

''Initially we plan to fly from Amritsar, Bangalore and Cochin,'' Mr Fernandes said.

''There was no thing such as low cost carrier five years ago but now there is a huge choice of destination, especially with the entry of so many companies. I believe low fares are very crucial today,'' he said.

Airline's proposed India operations is a part of its massive expansion plan which it intends to undertake over the next five years. The Malaysian low cost carrier plans to double its current route to 150 from existing 75, while associate airline AirAsia Long Haul plans to fly to 75 medium and long haul destinations across the globe which includes South Asia, North Asia, Australia, the West Asia, Africa and Europe.

With a fleet of 19 A320 and 35 Boeing 737 aircraft the Malaysian budget carrier has also recently placed orders for 50 A330 which are likely to be delivered shortly.

UNI