If a deal was made with Air India do you relase Cork Airport CAN'T handle a Boeing 767, Boeing 777 or Boeing 787 and why would AI have a hub in Cork when SNN and DUB have US pre clearance.
As you seem to be so imformed you would also know that AI are planning on running non-stop flights between India and America this winter and they may not have a European Hub but we will find out at the end of Augest.
So I would realy question your contacts.
I think he was being sarcastic!