Archive · 3 Sep 2026
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.
- 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.
- Where
- The order-signing ceremony took place in New Delhi. FLY91 operates from bases in Goa and Hyderabad and serves Indian regional destinations.
- Why
- FLY91 said the aircraft will help it connect more unserved and underserved cities, add destinations, and increase frequencies on existing routes.
- 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
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