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Indian Regional Carrier FLY91 Places Firm Order For 40 ATR 72-600s
Indian regional carrier FLY91 has placed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600s to support plans for rapid fleet expansion, in what the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer said was the largest ATR order globally by a regional airline.
The deal is valued at approximately $1 billion, and “sets the stage for one of the most significant fleet expansions by a regional carrier in India,” Goa-based FLY91 said Sept. 3, following a signing ceremony in New Delhi.
India’s aviation market is growing rapidly, with low-cost carriers expanding their market share, supported by rising passenger demand and government efforts to boost regional connectivity, which is driving the growth.
FLY91 currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600s. It began commercial operations two and a half years ago and has operated more than 15,000 flights, with a schedule offering nearly 280 weekly flights to 12 destinations—its thirteenth destination is set for launch later this month, the carrier said.
“This expansion aligns closely with the Indian government’s ambition to strengthen regional connectivity through UDAN, bringing affordable and reliable air transport to underserved communities,” said ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, referring to the Indian government’s UDAN framework for developing regional aviation in the country as a way to connect underserved regions and support economic growth.
“From its current fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft, FLY91 is now poised for exponential expansion to more than 60 aircraft over the coming years,” the airline said.
“FLY91 was built on a singular conviction that India needs a dedicated regional airline focused on connecting emerging cities directly and efficiently,” said Manoj Chacko, founder, managing director and CEO of FLY91. “We have grown steadily and consistently since our launch, and this 40-aircraft order becomes the foundation for our next chapter.”
Harsha Raghavan, chairman, FLY91 and managing partner, Convergent Finance added: “We believe regional connectivity will be a critical enabler of India’s next phase of growth, linking emerging economic centers, businesses and communities across the country.”
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