AirAsia India gets nod to import 10 aircraft but launch likely only by Feb

AirAsia India has received permission from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to import 10 aircraft,but the launch has been delayed by a monthsince the the aviation regulator DGCA is yet to inspect the Air Asia’s training facilities in Malaysia, as the airline has sought permissions to carry out aircraft maintenance and crew training in the southeast Asian country to save costs.

The import permission is required before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation can issue an air operator’s permit.

According to a CNBC-TV18 report, AirAsia has managed to get a no objection certificate (NOC) from civil aviation ministry for the acquisition of aircraft, which means the Malaysian airline can start the process of importing aircraft into India.

But even that process is going to be closely linked to AirAsia getting air operator’s permit, as AirAsia is not keen to get the aircraft into India and have them sitting on the ground unless they have a license to fly.

In Phase-I, AirAsia India is are looking to import in four aircraft.Then over a year, the airline will take the number to 10.

However, the inspection of the airline’s Malaysian facilities could delay the proposed January launch of the airline.

Already, the airline’s initial launch plans have been delayed. At the time of forming the venture in February 2013, AirAsia’s group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said that the airline would aim to launch the airline by the fourth quarter of the calendar year 2013.