New govt not a challenge to run operations: AirAsia CEO

Chennai: Private airline AirAsia (India)on Friday said there was no challenge in launching its domestic operation next month under the new central government despite BJP leader Subramanian Swamy opposing the licence granted to it.

"It (new central government) is no challenge to run our operations," AirAsia (India) CEO Mittu Chandilya told reporters at Chennai on Friday.

The central government will have to review the decisions relating to other operators as well and not just AirAsia (India), Chandilya said when asked about Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju's comments that the centre would review the decisions of the previous government.

He said the airline's inaugural flight will be June 12 between Bangalore-Goa. Even Swamy is welcome to travel on that flight and "I will sit next to him", Chandilya said.

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The new airline is a three way joint venture among AirAsia, Tata Group and Arun Bhatia promoted Telestra Tradeplace.

Last year Swamy approached the Supreme Court, contending that the government policy allows foreign direct investment up to 49 percent in an existing airline and not to a new or proposed venture.

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government earlier this month issued Air Operator's Permit (AOP) to AirAsia, which was opposed by the Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Federation of Indian Airlines.

IANS