SPS Aviation_5 Issue 5 May 2014 | Page 8

News with views NEWS: AirAsia India granted Air Operator’s Permit The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted an Air Operator’s Permit (AOP) to AirAsia, paving the way for the airline to launch lowcost services in the country. AirAsia India, a joint venture among Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad, Tata Sons and Telestra Tradeplace, is to launch services from its Chennai hub with three Airbus A320 aircraft. Chief Executive Mittu C ­ handilya said his team was finalising flight schedules. Though the DGCA rules will require AirAsia to have a fleet of five aircraft within a year of starting operations, the airline plans to have 10 planes by that time. Chandilya said AirAsia’s fares would be 30 per cent lower than rivals. “We will be