India: Ratan Tata speaks out against incumbent airlines opposing abolition

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, came out publicly against Indian airlines lobbying to keep a rule that bars new carriers from starting international flights unless they have been flying for 5 years and have 20 planes. He said this smacked of protectionism and had no place in an open economy. "In the airline industry in India it is sad to see the incumbent airlines lobbying for protection and preferential treatment for themselves against the new airlines which have been formed in full compliance with prevailing govt policy and providing air transport to Indian citizens in line with the dream of 'New India' promoted by the new govt under Narendra Modi's leadership," Tata said. The Tata group is an investor in two of India's newest carriers — AirAsia India and Vistara. <br/>