1 day ago
FLY91 Orders 40 ATR Aircraft to Expand India’s Regional Network
FLY91 is a regional airline that flies between cities in India.
It currently has six airplanes.
The airline has ordered 40 more planes from ATR.
These planes are expected to start arriving in late 2027, with all of them due by 2032.
FLY91 wants to use the planes to connect more smaller and underserved cities.
The airline hopes its fleet will grow to more than 60 aircraft.
FLY91 also plans to raise ₹250 crore to support its growth.
Abhinandan Varthaman, a decorated former fighter pilot, has joined the airline as a pilot.
FLY91 has ordered 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft in a deal worth nearly $1 billion, according to the airline and PTI.
The order is described as the largest-ever ATR aircraft order by a regional carrier globally.
Deliveries are expected to begin toward the end of 2027, with all aircraft scheduled to arrive by 2032.
FLY91 currently operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft and more than 280 weekly flights from bases in Goa and Hyderabad.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has joined FLY91 as a pilot after retiring from the IAF.
- Who
- Regional airline FLY91, ATR, and former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman are central to the developments.
- What
- FLY91 ordered 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft and is expanding its regional network; Varthaman also joined the airline as a pilot.
- Where
- The order-signing ceremony took place in New Delhi. FLY91 operates from bases in Goa and Hyderabad and serves Indian regional destinations.
- When
- The aircraft order was announced on Thursday; deliveries are expected to begin toward the end of 2027 and finish by 2032. Varthaman joined FLY91 after retiring from the IAF in March this year.
- Why
- FLY91 said the aircraft will help it connect more unserved and underserved cities, add destinations, and increase frequencies on existing routes.
Key facts
- Aircraft ordered
- 40 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft
- Deal value
- Nearly $1 billion
- Current fleet
- Six ATR 72-600 aircraft
- Planned fleet
- More than 60 aircraft over the coming years
- Delivery schedule
- Expected to begin toward the end of 2027, with completion by 2032
- Current operations
- More than 280 weekly flights, with bases in Goa and Hyderabad
- Planned fundraising
- ₹250 crore, with 25% of the funding round completed
- Pilot appointment
- Former IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman joined FLY91 as a pilot
Quotes
Manoj Chacko
FLY91 founder and CEO
“The landmark order for 40 aircraft will provide the scale to build a much larger regional network and connect more unserved and underserved cities across the country.”
rediff.com
livemint.com
“FLY91 was built on a singular conviction that India needs a dedicated regional airline focused on connecting emerging cities directly and efficiently.”
indianexpress.com
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude
Chief executive officer of ATR
“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.”
indianexpress.com
“The ATR 72-600 combines unmatched economics, efficiency and reliability, enabling airlines to offer affordable fares while connecting millions of passengers to opportunities across India.”
rediff.com
K Rammohan Naidu
India’s Civil Aviation Minister
“I see this landmark that we are having today as a very confident message that we are sending to people across stakeholders, across civil aviation (sector) that India’s regional civil aviation is only in the beginning (stage) and we are just starting to grow with great potential”
indianexpress.com
Sources
FLY91's USD 1 Billion Aircraft Order To Boost Regional Connectivity
FLY91, now with Abhinandan Varthaman as pilot, orders 40 ATR aircraft for nearly $1 billion
From 6 aircraft to 46: FLY91 plans order for 40 planes from ATR to expand regional network
Regional airline FLY91 places order for 40 ATR planes amid push for regional connectivity
Related news
India's Aviation Minister Urges Faster Aircraft Deliveries Amid Regional Demand
IndiGo in talks for multibillion-dollar Embraer regional jet order
India Plans 100 New Airports Under UDAN Expansion
Government pushes 'Train in India, Fly in India' aircraft plan
Abhinandan Varthaman Reportedly Joins Goa Airline FLY91 After IAF
Fly91 Aims for Cash Break-Even by FY27
Indo-Russian Aviation Deals Boost Civil Aviation
