Ratan Tata to be chief advisor to AirAsia India board

Low-cost carrier AirAsia today announced industry leader Ratan Tata as Chief Advisor to the board of its Indian venture and promised 'Nano' airfares once it begins operating flights in the country.

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Announcing Tata's name as the Chief Advisor, Malaysia- based AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes also said that the name of Chairman for AirAsia India board would also be disclosed soon.

"Persuading Tata to be advisor has not been easy.

Critical, we have someone of his massive experience to help me chart Airasia India with Mittu (Chandilya) and myself," Fernandes announced on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Asked whether to expect 'Nano' price or cheapest air tickets from AirAsia India, Fernandes replied in affirmative: "Yes. It's all about low fares. And everyday."

Ratan Tata, who retired as head of Tata group in December last year, is considered as the main force behind launch of the world's cheapest car, Nano. It was launched by the group at an initial price tag of Rs 1 lakh.

AirAsia is widely expected to bring in competitive pricing in the Indian aviation market, once it begins in service later this year.

Welcoming Ratan Tata to the AirAsia family, he further said that the Chairman of the board is also "someone who has redefined many parts of India. A towering man who brings unbelievable experience to AirAsia India board".

Fernandes said that Chairman's name would be announced either today itself or tomorrow.

"AirAsia India (is) shaping up brilliantly," he said, while adding that the company has got a 'super CEO', a good board and a great advisor who was "a legend in every sense".

AirAsia has named Mittu Chandilya as the CEO of its Indian venture, where other stakeholders include Tata group and Telstra Tradeplace.