AirAsia chief eyes Tata stake

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes expressed his willingness Thursday to buy a stake from the Tatas in AirAsia India provided it is on sale even as he emphasised that the airline joint venture is working well. The comments assume significance against the backdrop of Fernandes recently receiving overseas citizen of India (OCI) status, which could provide more leeway for him than as a foreign investor. To a query on whether he would look to acquire stake from the Tatas, the AirAsia Group's CE indicated that he was willing to look at it. "We are happy with the Tatas at the moment. It (the joint venture) is working well but if anyone wants to sell and it is a good price and if I can buy I will buy," he said. "I (have) got my OCI (status). So why not? SOEC (substantial ownership and effective control) is a non-issue now," Fernandes said. <br/>