AirAsia India board holds first meeting, discusses operational details

MUMBAI: AirAsia India's first board meeting here today discussed operational details of the proposed carrier, sources said.

AirAsia group founder and chief executive Tony Fernandes participated through a video link. The airline is likely to fly by December.

AirAsia India is a three-way joint venture between Tatas, Malaysia's AirAsia and Arun Bhatia.

The board meeting had ended on a cordial note. It was reported earlier that Bhatia would take up the issue of Tatas's other alliance with Singapore Airlines.

Earlier in the day, clearing the air with regard to the Tatas signing MoU with Singapore Airlines, Fernandes said there was no issue between him, Singapore Airlines and the Tatas.

"I have and continue to have no issue on SIA (Singapore Airlines) and the Tatas. No difference to Ginger and Taj Hotels. These are two very separate business", Fernandes tweeted.

Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore Airlines for a joint venture to start a new full service airline.

Commenting on the board meeting, Fernandes tweeted, "first Air Asia India board meeting. Superb cooperation between partners. I am confident we will make profits in first year and change aviation".