Won't repeat what Mallya did, says AirAsia CEO On India Plans

Tony Fernandes, the co-founder and CEO of AirAsia group, has said that he found it hard to do business in India because of protectionist policies and "vested interests"; however, his JV carrier AirAsia India has come to India for a long stay.

He said that the slow pace of AirAsia India was because of the Indian aviation sector being a "double marathon" and not a "sprint".

"I am not going to storm in like a bull in China shop like Vijay Mallya did, and get caught. Now we have a (civil aviation) policy and the policy is very clear on what we have to do. So talk to us in a few years time," he said when asked about his growth plans in the country.

He added that he has seen the BJP-led government has "at least delivered 80 per cent of what it talked about" in the draft aviation policy. On doing business in India, he said "it is hard (to do business) in India (as) there are so many vested interest who were trying to keep some of the incumbents happy."

"So at least they changed it (norm for international flying by domestic carriers) and we are clear what we need to do. And I would not be dead by the time 5 years come along with 20 aircraft we had before," he added.

"Don't protect airlines. Get more air traffic rights, get more tourism into India and create more jobs. I think the Modi Government has to be brave in going all the way and getting rid of vested interests and protectionism," he advised the government.

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