The Indian government allowed a foreign direct investment of 49% in February 2013 and subsequently Air Asia India began operations in India on 12 June 2014 with Bangalore as its primary hub. In 2013, the carrier said it would steer clear of Delhi and Mumbai, and instead focus on growing traffic in smaller cities, such as Bangalore and Chennai. AirAsia cited congestion, competition and the high landing charges in the two biggest Indian airports as reasons to avoid the political and financial capitals. It will fly on relatively uncharted routes. In October, AirAsia hopes to connect Bangalore with the Northeast. Believe in network strategies that don't involve existing heavy-flying traffic or a lot of historical trend. I rather study the latent potential and long-term growth opportunity," says he. He wants to tap the traffic emanating from smaller cities like Srinagar, Indore and Raipur. And it wants to replicate its successful low-cost model, which has fetched it handsome returns in Southeast Asia. This requires Chandilya to keep costs on a tight leash, go for innovative route planning, offer attractive fares to first-time travellers and tap ancillary revenues. The cost-consciousness is reflected in the route plan too. For instance, the company chose to kick off operations in Bangalore, Chennai and Kochi because it already has a presence in these markets through its international flights and, therefore, it did not have to spend much on creating brand awareness. The new routes in the North would require some investments in promotion. But Chandilya hopes to benefit from the limited competition and the huge growth potential of the region. Analysts say people won't mind paying a little extra for a direct flight. The flier from Jaipur, for instance, currently comes to Delhi if he has to go to Bangalore. With AirAsia's direct flight, he will be saved the expense of