An Express TravelWorld exclusive

'I would love to set up an airline out of India'

Reportedly, when Sir Richard Branson, nicknamed 'Dr Yes' by his staff, launched Virgin Atlantic in 1984, no one thought it would survive for more than a year. Unfortunately, says the airline's chairman, all those who felt so are out of business today. Universally known to be a go-getter who loves to challenge himself, Branson is hopeful to start an airline out of India. For now though, he is venturing into space travel with Virgin Galactic. But India still figures in his plans as he readies to enter the mobile business. In an exclusive interview, he speaks with Reema Sisodia in Malaysia

What are your plans for the India market?

India is a very interesting market and we are keen to work closely with the country. My first venture into India would definitely be in the mobile space and our first major business focus is Virgin Mobile. I would love to set up an airline out of India but I guess that'll have to wait for some time. At present it is not really possible for a foreign airline to set up in India.

Comment on your decision to invest 20 per cent in AirAsia X.

To begin with, Virgin Group is extremely glad to invest in AirAsia X. Long ago Tony Fernandes was an employee with Virgin Music and today we have partnered with the airline associated with him. AirAsia X will offer fantastically low prices to passengers from India to fly to Malaysia as well as Bali and Australia. With a 20 per cent stake in AirAsia X, we have entered into the Asian aviation space. Asia is a very exciting market.

Is Asia the next destination in your scheme of things after Europe and the US?

Oh yes, we have big plans in store for the Asian market. Recently, we had two airlines getting into action in two days. The first was Virgin America with it's first flight from New York to San Francisco and the other was AirAsia X, which will shake up the long-haul market in the Asian region.