AIRASIA INDIA’S BOARD APPROVAL FOR NEW PLANES

On August 17, 2016, AirAsia India’s board approved the purchase of new aircraft in order to reach the target of 20-plane fleet to meet the requirement laid down in the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016. The new ‘0/20’ rule does away with the five-year requirement for Indian carriers to fly on international routes, but carriers will still need to possess a fleet of 20 aircraft or deploy 20 per cent of total capacity on domestic routes. Briefing the media, Amar Abrol, the CEO of AirAsia India, mentioned that he would have preferred ‘0/10’ or an even better ‘0/0’ rule, instead of the current 0/20, adding, “at least, now we have some clarity. It is for the first time that we are having a civil aviation policy.” Abrol was addressing reporters on the launch of AirAsia India’s new aircraft, an Airbus A320. The aircraft, which is a 180-seater passenger airliner, is set to take-off on its maiden flight on September 22, 2016. As a part of its expansion, AirAsia India will connect Hyderabad with Bengaluru and Goa on a daily basis. AirAsia India, a major player in the low-cost airline segment, is on the way to script its next chapter, announcing fleet and route expansion plans from its hub Bengaluru.