AirAsia India Unveils 4th Aircraft With JRD Tata Livery

Chandigarh, March 21, 2015:  AirAsia India today unveiled its 4th aircraft, with a livery dedicated to JRD Tata, as a mark of respect to the pioneer of civil aviation in the Indian sub-continent. Befittingly, the aircraft has been christened as ‘The Pioneer’. The livery of AirAsia India’s fourth aircraft dons an image of JRD Tata with a Puss Moth, the aircraft he flew on October 15, 1932, leading to the birth of Tata Airlines and starting civil aviation in the sub-continent.

In the presence of distinguished guests, the magnificent unveiling was done by Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia India; Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia; S. Ramadorai, Non-Executive Chairman of AirAsia India, & Ratan N. Tata , Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons,  at GMR Aero Technic MRO Hanger, Hyderabad.

Commenting on the association, Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia India, said, “We wanted to celebrate the growth of AirAsia India by honoring the man without whom flying would have been impossible in India. The Tata group has shaped Indian aviation to a great extent and has been a huge support to the AirAsia India team as well.  We take pride in launching our fourth aircraft by reliving the magic of JRD Tata. With another addition to our fleet, we will soon make flying, a possibility for every Indian”.

Tony Fernandes, CEO, AirAsia, said, “AirAsia India’s special livery 'The Pioneer' pays tribute to the man who pioneered aviation in India.  AirAsia shares the same passion and zeal Mr. JRD Tata had towards setting up an airline in India and we will continue the legacy. AirAsia will fight those who try to protect the status quo by lobbying for antiquated rules. Indian people must be put first before those who just lobby to protect their own bottom line as opposed to competing.

 AirAsia is all about daring to dream and our dream is to further elevate Indian aviation by introducing lower fares, providing more choice and creating jobs.  This is the perfect homage to honor the Tatas and celebrate our partnership."

Ratan N. Tata said, “JRD Tata was a visionary. He established civil aviation in India because he believed that the country and its people must benefit from what the rest of the world did. I am happy that AirAsia India is paying tribute to him"

S. Ramadorai, Non-Executive Chairman, AirAsia India, said, “Today, is a landmark occasion for us as we take great pride in unveiling this special aircraft to honour JRD Tata for his contribution to our nation. The JRD- Tata livery, dedicated to him will mark the journey of his contribution and legacy as a token of our gratitude. Today, we celebrate the courage of a pioneer and his undying spirit."

AirAsia India currently has Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Pune in its destination network.