Tata Sons, the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate Tata group, has accused vested interests of trying to jeopardise AirAsia India operations.

On Thursday, the low-cost carrier, in which Tata Sons owns 30 per cent stake, started operations with its maiden flight between Bangalore and Goa.

“Vested interests, inimical to free and fair competition that can benefit air travellers, are spreading canards to jeopardise the operations of AirAsia India,” Tata Sons said in a statement.

Tata Sons was referring to a letter sent by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to direct civil aviations ministry to stop AirAsia India’s inaugural flight.

AirAsia India is a three-way joint venture among Malaysia’s AirAsia, India’s Tata group and Telstra Tradeplace, which is promoted by businessman Arun Bhatia.

“AirAsia India has received all permissions from the Government and DGCA to start its operations,” Tata Sons said, adding, and no injunctions have been ordered by any court restraining AirAsia India from commencing its operations.

Tata Sons in its statement also denied an accusation made by Swamy, who quoting a news report, alleged that former Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata was “summoned” by a criminal court in Italy. This, according to the BJP leader, was to depose in a matter related to the AgustaWestland chopper deal.

“Tata Sons clarifies that Tata was not summoned by the Italian criminal court. Tata voluntarily appeared as a witness, at the request of Giuseppe Orsi, former CEO of Agusta Westland,” it said.

“Tata’s deposition before this court only related to his interactions with Orsi relating to the joint venture between the Tatas and Agusta Westland and had no connection whatsoever with the supply of helicopters from AW to the Government of India,” it added.

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