Hyderabad: JRD Tata was a visionary who established civil aviation in India for the benefit of its people, Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata said today after unveiling an AirAsia India aircraft with JRD Tata livery.
The livery of AirAsia India's fourth aircraft, unveiled at a function Hyderabad today and dedicated to the founder of civil aviation in the country, 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 launch of civil aviation in the subcontinent.
Tata Sons holds 30 per cent stake in AirAsia India in the domestic arm of the Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia. While AirAsia holds 49 per cent in the joint venture, the rest 21 per cent stake are with Arun Bhatia of Telestra TardePlace.
"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," Tata said.
The aircraft has been christened as 'The Pioneer."
Besides Tata, the unveiling was done by Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia, Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia and S Ramadorai, non-executive chairman of AirAsia India, at GMR Aero Technic MRO Hanger .
Stating that AirAsia India's special livery pays tribute to the man who pioneered aviation in India, Fernandes said AirAsia shares the same passion and zeal JRD Tata had towards setting up an airline in India.
"We will continue the legacy," he said.
