PANJIM: Air Asia has already begun the process to make Dabolim airport the hub for its India operations, Group CEO Tony Fernandes said on Thursday.
“We have begun talks with the government, Mittu Chandilya (CEO India) said.
Fernandes, of Goan origin, told Herald that an airport like Dabolim was ideal for Air Asia type of operations and they are looking at bringing their corporate offices and other infrastructure into the state.
When asked till when they would continue with budget fares, Fernandes said, “forever,” though he clarified that they would rationalize the fares. “But not more than Rs 1500,” he said.
The model would work on quick turnarounds and that is why they prefer smaller airports.
“Low cost airports are really important,” he said, elaborating that Malaysia has been successful because of low cost airports.
“But not all airports are the same. There is a Jag and a Nano. We are really a Nano…. We want everyone to fly,” he said.
Deputy Chief minister Francis D’ Souza told Herald that the proposal had come to the government and they would be forwarding it to the Centre.
“Most of the permissions are with the Centre. We are concerned mainly with the airline turbine,” he said indicating that they were open to the possibility of negotiating on this.
Fernandes pointed out that though the Malaysia airport was very much like Dabolim, it catered to 24 million passengers.
Air Asia will stay low cost -Pg 7
My father never stopped speaking about Goa: Tony
“My father never stopped speaking about Goa, about the sausages and the cashew feni,” Tony Fernandes said in a lighter vein.
“I have a house somewhere in Goa… next to Vijay Mallya’s house,” he added.
This is the aviation tycoon’s first visit to the state. He came along with Ratan Tata till recently boss of the Tata group, who has 30% stake in Air Asia, India.
Fernandes’ father had migrated decades back for Malaysia.
