The new regional airline FLY91 in India has placed an order for 40 new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft worth approximately $1 billion (9500 crore rupees). According to the company, this is the largest order for ATR aircraft from any regional carrier, which is considered a significant milestone in the airline's development.
ATR is a joint venture between French-Italian aerospace companies Airbus and Leonardo and is used to manufacture regional turboprop aircraft. Currently, after more than two years of operations, FLY91's fleet includes 6 ATR 72-600 aircraft, which operate over 280 flights weekly.
With these new acquisitions, the airline plans to significantly expand its network and fleet. FLY91 aims to build a fleet of over 60 aircraft in the coming years. It was announced that deliveries of the new aircraft will begin in late 2027, with the full completion of the 40 units scheduled for 2032. The company states that the new aircraft will allow it to scale its regional network across the country, improving air connectivity in cities where it is either absent or limited.
According to Manoj Chako, the CEO, founder, and managing director of FLY91, the company is also in the process of raising capital amounting to about 250 crore rupees. Of this, 25% of the required funding has already been secured. The company's expansion strategy includes acquiring new aircraft, increasing the number of routes, and strengthening its existing network.
At the order signing ceremony, held in the nation's capital, Delhi, the Minister of Civil Aviation, K. Rammohan Naidu, was present. The event was also attended by ATR CEO Natalia Tarnoud Lode and Chief Commercial Officer Alexis Vidal, as well as FLY91 Chairman Harsh Raghavan and CEO Manoj Chako.
During the ceremony, the central minister K. Rammohan Naidu noted that India is actively expanding its aviation network, and efforts continue to manufacture aircraft domestically. He urged ATR to consider establishing a manufacturing facility in India and assured government support. Naidu called India one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally and stated that the government aims to develop 100 new airports in the country over the next decade.
