The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given its no objection certification to AirAsia India to start a low-cost carrier, according to a press release from the company.

The next step for the airline will be to get an Air Operating Permit and prepare to kick-start its operations in India.

The Malaysian airline company, AirAsia, submitted a request to start a joint venture to begin AirAsia India earlier this year in partnership with Tata Sons Ltd and Arun Bhatia of Telestra Tradeplace Pvt Ltd.

It was granted a formal approval by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board of India in April.

Mittu Chandilya, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia India said in the release, “We will continue with our preparations and get ourselves ready for take-off once the Air Operating Permit is acquired.”

The company announced plans to launch its services during the Diwali season if it was able to get the required approvals.

AirAsia India is geared to start operations within one month of receiving all clearances, Chandilya had said earlier.

The airline currently has a fleet of three Airbus A320 aircraft and over 200 staff.

raja.simhan@thehindu.co.in