AirAsia India on Saturday unveiled its fourth aircraft, with a livery dedicated to J.R.D. Tata, as a mark of respect to the pioneer of civil aviation in the Indian subcontinent.
Christened "The Pioneer", it dons an image of J.R.D. Tata with a Puss Moth, the aircraft he flew on October 15, 1932, leading to the birth of Tata Airlines and beginning of civil aviation in the subcontinent.
The aircraft was unveiled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here by AirAsia India CEO Mittu Chandilya, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, AirAsia India non-executive chairman S. Ramadorai and Tata Sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata.
"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 J.R.D. Tata. With another addition to our fleet, we will soon make flying a possibility for every Indian," Chandilya said.
"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 honour the Tatas and celebrate our partnership," said Fernandes.
"J.R.D. 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," said Ratan Tata.
