Click to play videoMalaysia: The aviation industry is heating up to more competition. British business mogul Richard Branson’s Virgin Aviation has recently announced its entry into the Asian aviation space with a 20 per cent stake in Air Asia.
From low cost travel to Virgin mobiles, Branson, the billionaire behind the multi-platform Virgin brand, said that he looks at India as a potential market and soon he is going to increase his presence for Indian customers.
In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN, owner of Virgin Airlines Sir Richard Branson spoke about his plans in India.
George Koshy: After Europe and the US, Asia the next big place on your radar?
Richard Branson: Yes, two airlines in two days. Virgin America with it's first flight from New York to San Fransisco and now Air Asia-X which will shake up the long-haul market in the Asian region. We have big plans.
George Koshy: What are your long-term India plans? In aviation as well as in other sectors?
Richard Branson: Our first major focus business in India is Virgin Mobile. Would love to setup an airline out of India but guess that'll have to wait sometime. Air Asia will offer fantastically low prices to passengers from India to fly to Malaysia as well as to Bali and Australia.
George Koshy: So how soon before I could hold a Virgin mobile in my hand in India.
Richard Branson: In an year's time. Though I am not in the position to tell you with who we are negotiating, I can surely tell you that we are in the final stages of talks.
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