AirAsia India has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320, in Chennai on March 22. AirAsia India will take delivery of an additional nine aircraft for its initial fleet of 10 A320s, to serve India’s rapidly growing domestic air traffic. Powered by CFM engines, the aircraft is configured in an all economy layout with 180 seats. The new airline is a joint venture between AirAsia Group, Tata Sons and Telstra Tradeplace.
“Indian domestic traffic is growing at an impressive rate and our well established and successful business model suits the market,” said Mittu Chandilya, AirAsia India CEO. “AirAsia and Airbus have a long-standing, special relationship. We are fully confident that with our new A320 fleet we will provide the Indian passenger the service and convenient travel options already offered by the AirAsia Group elsewhere in the region.
“In the next 20 years, more people will travel by air for the first time in India and China than anywhere else,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “India’s domestic air transport growth is leading the world and will propel India to be one of the largest civil aviation markets by 2032. The launch of AirAsia India reflects this growth potential.”
