AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, Others Booked By CBI
The case has been registered over alleged violation of norms for getting international flying licences.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and others over alleged violation of norms for getting international flying licences, officials said today.
The case relates to alleged violation of norms by directors of the aviation company for relaxation of 5/20 rules in the aviation sector to get licences for international operations, as well as violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board rules, they said. Under the 5/20 rule, a company needs five years of experience and 20 aircraft to become eligible for the licence.
Besides Anthony Francis “Tony” Fernandes, Group CEO AirAsia Malaysia, the company AirAsia, Travel Food owner Sunil Kapoor, AirAsia Director R Venkatraman, aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Director of Singapore-based SNR Trading Rajendra Dubey and unidentified public servants have been named in the first information report.
Searches are being conducted at six locations in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, the officials said.
Fernandes allegedly lobbied with government servants for clearances, removal of existing 5/20 rule of aviation and change in regulatory policies, the agency has alleged.