Proud moment, dad's from Goa, says Fernandes

As his India venture begins its operation today with the maiden flight from Bangalore to Goa, AirAsia's Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes says "it is indeed a proud moment".

Goa, a former Portuguese province, is India's smallest state.

"It's a proud day for me as my dad was from Goa. He was an amazing man. Down to earth, selfless doctor. He will be proud looking form above," he said in the micro blogging site twitter.

"Dr Stephen Edward Fernandes along with my mum, Ena, were a tremendous inspiration to me," he said. He also congratulated his staff in AirAsia India.

"You have proven that determination, positivity and passion always wins over negativity," he tweeted.

Based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the 49:30:21 joint venture between AirAsia, Tata Sons and Telestra Tradeplace was launched February last year.