AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, others booked by CBI for violations in India

Alleged violation of norms to get international flying licenses has cost AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and others dear  as the CBI today registered a case against them. According to officials, 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 licenses for international operations, as well as violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) rules.
 
Besides Anthony Francis 'Tony' Fernandes, 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 unidentified public servants have been named in the FIR, said a PTI report, adding that searches are going on at six locations in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
 
The central probe agency reportedly alleged that AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes lobbied with government servants for clearances, removal of existing 5/20 rule of aviation and change in regulatory policies.
 
According to the 5/20 rule, a company needs five years of experience and 20 aircraft to become eligible for the license.

According to the 5/20 rule, a company needs five years of experience and 20 aircraft to become eligible for the license. The 5/20 rule is applicable to all commercial aviation companies flying passengers, as per the Indian Civil Aviation ministry norms. 

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Airlines have been opposing the 5/20 rule stating that it has thwarted the growth of the aviation sector in India. The airlines cannot fly on any lucrative international profitable route unless they have 5 years of flying experience and 20 aircraft. Barring India, no other country has this rule.