CBI books Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes for violating aviation norms; airline refutes wrongdoing

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Air Asia Group CEO Tony Fernandes for allegedly violating aviation norms to get international flying licenses, officials said on Tuesday.

"The case relates to an alleged violation of norms by directors of the aviation company for relaxation of 5/20 rules in the aviation sector to get licenses for international operations, as well as the violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB)rules," PTI quoted the officials as saying.

Explaining the matter, the Air Asia India Ltd (AAIL) said they did not do anything wrong and will cooperate with all regulators and agencies to present correct facts. In November 2016, AAIL had initiated criminal charges against its ex-CEO and also commenced civil proceedings in Bengaluru.

According to the 5/20 rule, a company should have at least five years of experience and 20 aircraft to become eligible for the international flying license.

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Apart from Tony Fernandes, the CBI has named Group CEO Air Asia Malaysia, the company Air Asia, Travel Food owner Sunil Kapoor, Air Asia Director R Venkatraman, aviation consultant Deepak Talwar, Director of Singapore-based SNR Trading Rejendra Dubey and some public servants in its FIR.

The sleuths of the probe agency also conducted raids at six locations in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, which were related to the accused, the officials said.

Fernandes allegedly lobbied with some unidentified public servants for clearances and removal of existing 5/20 rule as well as a change in regulatory policies.

(With inputs from agencies)