AirAsia Group Expands India Operations Post-Tata Partnership Exit

17 Dec 2024 CW Team

Despite parting ways with Tata Group, AirAsia Group is pressing ahead with its India market expansion, focusing on rising air travel demand between India and Southeast Asia. Thai AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-cost airline based at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, launched its maiden operations to India on Sunday with direct flights between Delhi and Bangkok. The airline is starting with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays, planning to increase the frequency to four flights per week starting January 15, 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X, expressed enthusiasm over the launch. "Yesterday was amazing. We got our permit two weeks ago, started flying, and had a 90% load factor," he noted, sharing that 319 passengers boarded the maiden flight from Delhi to Bangkok, with a surprising 329 passengers on the return journey. The airline aims to cater not only to travellers bound for Bangkok but also to those connecting onward to destinations like Vietnam, China, and Australia. It operates Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft with a seating capacity of 367. This expansion follows AirAsia Bhd's exit from its joint venture with Tata Sons in 2022. The JV previously operated AirAsia India, which has since merged into the Air India Group. Thai AirAsia X’s India entry is supported by a new bilateral air services agreement between India and Thailand, which increases weekly seat allocations by 43% to 46,000. Under the agreement, the additional 14,000 weekly seats will be introduced in two phases, with the second phase kicking in once airlines from both countries utilise 80% of their current capacity. Thai AirAsia X’s entry underscores the growing demand for direct connectivity between India and Southeast Asia. (ET)

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..