Archive · 3 Sep 2026
India's Aviation Minister Urges Faster Aircraft Deliveries Amid Regional Demand
India wants aircraft companies to send planes faster because more people are flying.
The aviation minister said India has many airports but needs more planes to connect smaller cities and regions.
Airline FLY91 ordered 40 ATR 72-600 planes.
The order could grow its fleet from six aircraft to more than 60.
India currently has 166 airports and plans to build 100 more in the next 10 years.
These airports are meant to connect places such as the Himalayas, the Northeast and islands.
The government has set aside Rs 28,840 crore to improve regional air travel.
The minister also said seaplanes and helicopters may help reach places where regular airports are difficult to build.
He invited ATR to consider manufacturing aircraft in India.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged ATR and Airbus to accelerate aircraft deliveries to India.
FLY91 signed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft valued at about $1 billion.
India-based airlines have outstanding deliveries of approximately 1,600 aircraft, many expected over the next decade.
India plans to develop 100 additional airports over the next 10 years, especially in underserved regions.
The government has allocated Rs 28,840 crore under the modified UDAN scheme for regional connectivity and airport infrastructure.
- Who
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, aircraft manufacturers ATR and Airbus, and regional airline FLY91.
- What
- Naidu urged faster aircraft deliveries and discussed expanding India's regional aviation network.
- When
- Thursday, September 3, 2026.
- Where
- India, including proposed connections such as Kochi-Lakshadweep.
- Why
- India's airport network and passenger traffic are expanding, creating greater demand for aircraft and regional connectivity.
- FLY91 order
- 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft.
- Order value
- Approximately $1 billion.
- Current Indian airline backlog
- Around 1,600 aircraft deliveries.
- India's current airports
- 166 airports.
- Planned additional airports
- 100 over the next decade.
- Regional aviation allocation
- Rs 28,840 crore under the modified UDAN scheme.
- FLY91 current operations
- Six ATR 72-600 aircraft and more than 15,000 flights in about two-and-a-half years.