<p>As it awaits the final nod to start operations, low-cost carrier AirAsia India on Saturday took delivery of its first Airbus A-320. The leadership team of the new entrant in the Indian aviation sector cheered the landing of the flight from the Toulouse, US, headquarters of Airbus. <br /><br /></p>.<p>AirAsia India is a joint venture of Malaysian operator Air Asia, Tata and Telestra. The joint venture, which has cleared all but one hurdle, is still awaiting a flying licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).<br /><br />As the 180-seater A-320, bearing call-sign VT-ATF, landed at around 9:30 am with a customary water-cannon salute in Chennai airport, AirAsia's group CEO Tony Fernandes tweeted, “AirAsia India first aircraft arrives in India. In Chennai. Wow. Still a bit to do bit on the final straight.”<br /><br />“Great news! India's latest airline, AirAsia India, has taken delivery of its first A-320 equipped with Sharklets,” tweeted Airbus. It also posted a picture of the plane painted red, with the name of the airline written in white. <br /><br />Sharklets are the folded wing tips that helps aircraft glide smoothly, thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emission.<br /><br />AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya said the arrival of the first plane signifies that they are a step closer to their dream to create a new benchmark in the low-cost air travel category.<br /><br />Though it was yet to get the final nod to start operations, AirAsia India was granted in-principle approval for the import of 10 aircraft, all A320-200s, in December last year. It plans to operate a fleet of 4-5 aircraft initially, expanding it to 10 within a year.</p>
<p>As it awaits the final nod to start operations, low-cost carrier AirAsia India on Saturday took delivery of its first Airbus A-320. The leadership team of the new entrant in the Indian aviation sector cheered the landing of the flight from the Toulouse, US, headquarters of Airbus. <br /><br /></p>.<p>AirAsia India is a joint venture of Malaysian operator Air Asia, Tata and Telestra. The joint venture, which has cleared all but one hurdle, is still awaiting a flying licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).<br /><br />As the 180-seater A-320, bearing call-sign VT-ATF, landed at around 9:30 am with a customary water-cannon salute in Chennai airport, AirAsia's group CEO Tony Fernandes tweeted, “AirAsia India first aircraft arrives in India. In Chennai. Wow. Still a bit to do bit on the final straight.”<br /><br />“Great news! India's latest airline, AirAsia India, has taken delivery of its first A-320 equipped with Sharklets,” tweeted Airbus. It also posted a picture of the plane painted red, with the name of the airline written in white. <br /><br />Sharklets are the folded wing tips that helps aircraft glide smoothly, thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emission.<br /><br />AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya said the arrival of the first plane signifies that they are a step closer to their dream to create a new benchmark in the low-cost air travel category.<br /><br />Though it was yet to get the final nod to start operations, AirAsia India was granted in-principle approval for the import of 10 aircraft, all A320-200s, in December last year. It plans to operate a fleet of 4-5 aircraft initially, expanding it to 10 within a year.</p>
