AirAsia India is a 51:49% joint venture between AirAsia and the Tatas of India. It operates over 100 daily flights connecting 16 destinations, with a fleet of 15 Airbus A320s.

The Indian government has given the nod for the strategic disinvestment of debt-laden Air India, and some airlines are expected to participate in this. The government on Jan 11 permitted foreign airlines to invest up to 49% in Air India.

“We are very focused on our brand AirAsia India and continue down this journey of getting into the international markets first. So at this point, no (to participate in the Air India disinvestment process),” Abrol was quoted as saying by PTI.

AirAsia India expects a fleet of 21 aircraft by year end. Under new aviation regulations in India, domestic airlines can fly overseas if they have 20 aircraft in their fleet.

Abrol said the international operations would likely be launched by early next year.

“Overseas flights plan was the third or fourth quarter plus/minus. It also depends on when do we get the approvals and our readiness. If we can accelerate it, we will certainly accelerate it. So we now have to accelerate it,” he was quoted as saying.