Air Deccan began modestly in August 2003, with one ATR-42 and 4 daily flights, it now has a fleet of over 40 aircraft.

Air Deccan currently operates only domestic routes connecting more cities in India than any other airline. India's protective regulation prevents any new airline from operating internationally until it has served five years in the domestic market, which Air Deccan will complete in Aug-08.

Although it was the first of the new breed in India, it has been far from plain sailing for Deccan, as a host of new entrant LCCs entered the market in its wake.

Air Deccan is synonymous with its founder and MD, Captain Gopinath (Gopi). More than perhaps any other airline CEO, Gopi represents the modern crusader, with a passionate social message. Deccan's vision: to "empower every Indian to fly & to demystify air travel in India, by providing reliable, low cost and safe air travel to the common man by constantly driving down the air fares as an ongoing mission". For India, where flying has until recently been an unattainable goal for 99% of the population, this message is more than mere hyperbole.

At first privately owned, Air Deccan was floated in May-06, raising INR3.6 billion, well below the hoped for amount. The listing unfortunately coincided with one of India's stock exchanges worst ever single day's performance. In its last reporting period, Air Deccan reported a USD53 million loss for the three months ended 31-Mar-07.

In Jun-07, the UB Group, parent of Kingfisher Airlines, acquired a 26% stake in Air Deccan with for approximately USD130 million, and has made an open offer for a further 20%. Through schedule coordination and joint operations in ground handling, training, and maintenance, the carriers are projecting annual cost savings of over USD70 million.