AirAsia to begin services from South India

New Delhi, June 29: AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes announced today that India operations will start later this year with three aircraft serving southern region. The airline would expand its services to other parts of the country in the second stage, he said in Chennai.

The Malaysia-based AirAsia CEO is in Chennai on his first visit to city and Chennai is going to be the headquarters of the airline's low-cost services in India.

AirAsia in a joint venture with the Tata group plans to launch its service this year. The airline had already started recruiting flight attendants.

While in India, Fernandes may call on Union Minister Ajit Singh as it is yet to get final nod from the government even though Singh had disclosed recently that all issues regarding the airlines have been resolved.

AirAsia India can seek flying licence only after it gets the go-ahead from the Union Home and Aviation Ministries.

The airlines top management team comprises Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata as the Chief Advisor and TCS vice-chairman S Ramadorai as Chairman of the five-member board. Singapore-based Mittu Chandilya has been appointed as the chief executive of India operations.

OneIndia News