AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes today reiterated their request to the Government to reconsider the 5/20 rule for the aviation sector and felt if this was relaxed, the number of flights would go up significantly.
The global aviation industry is watching India and seeking to play a role in its growth story, offering connectivity to new locations. But the 5/20 norm was a big hurdle, which the Government needs to take a fresh look at, he said.
Speaking at India Aviation 2016, which got underway today at Begumpet Airport here, Fernandes said the 5/20 restriction has taught AirAsia a thing or two. This has actually shown the huge potential the domestic market has as one connects more destinations and taps into new ones.
AirAsia India, in which the low-cost Malaysian airliner has partnered with Tata Sons, currently operates six planes and plans to add two more A330s in a couple of months, enabling them to connect new locations.
Answering queries, he said they were in the process of strengthening their management team in India, including a new CFO.
On some recent reports about foreign ownership, he said it is surprising to note that people raise this instead of actually seeking to improve connectivity.
He said he was applying to the Indian government to present his case as a person of India origin.