Opening up of India aviation a victory for Ratan Tata

New Delhi

OFFICIALLY at least, Ratan Tata, patriarch of one of India's wealthiest business families, retired in late 2012. In reality, he has been a driving force behind Tata's bet on airlines and a rare public campaign to open up the booming aviation sector.

The US$100 billion Tata group conglomerate is a major beneficiary of the decision last week to open up aviation in India, making it easier for startups to fly overseas sooner.