India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has granted AirAsia India its air operator’s permit (AOP), clearing the last major hurdle for the Chennai based carrier to start operations.
A spokeswoman for the airline confirmed to Flightglobal that it has received the permit, however a decision on when it will start commercial services will only be announced after a management meeting scheduled for next week.
It had originally planned to start operations during the first quarter of 2014, but delays in the process saw it miss that target.
Flightglobal’s Ascend Online Fleets shows that the airline has taken delivery of one Airbus A320. In recent weeks the aircraft was used on a series of proving flights as part of its AOP application process.
In September 2013, the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted the proposed carrier a no objection certificate
AirAsia India is 49% owned by Malaysia’s AirAsia group, while conglomerate Tata Sons holds a 30% stake. The remaining 21% is held by Telestra Tradeplace, a company controlled by Indian entreprenuer Arun Bhatia.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
