Qatar Airways confirmed it will soon file an application to launch a full-service airline in India.
Speaking on the sidelines of the IATA annual general meeting this week, Qatar Air CEO Akbar Al Baker said it will be staffed with mostly local talent in executive roles.
"It would have Indians heading the board and as most of its members," Al Baker said.
"We will move the application soon. I don’t know really by when because it takes time."
It would be financed by Qatar’s sovereign fund.
India allows 100% foreign direct investment in a new domestic airline but an existing foreign airline can only hold a maximum 49% stake.
The airline first announced its interest in starting an India based unit last year, and hinted it could deploy up to 100 aircraft in the country.
The market is currently dominated by low cost carriers with just three full service airlines – Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara Airlines.
