Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 03: Regional airline Fly91 has placed an order for forty new ATR-72 turboprop aircraft. The order ranks among the largest recent purchases of the aircraft type. Fly91 aims to expand connectivity across smaller towns and cities across India. The carrier sees significant opportunity in routes that larger jets cannot efficiently serve. The fleet expansion reflects Fly91’s strategic bet on India’s emerging regional aviation market.
At list price, the order carries a valuation exceeding one billion dollars total. However, airlines typically receive substantial discounts on such large aircraft purchase orders. Fly91 is simultaneously raising approximately two hundred fifty crore rupees from investors. The funding comes from existing investors and new participants in the airline. Capital raising is intended to support the airline’s ambitious regional expansion plans.
The order will more than double Fly91’s existing fleet size substantially. Aircraft deliveries are slated to commence toward the end of twenty twenty-seven. Delivery will continue over a five-year period, enabling gradual operational scaling. This phased delivery schedule allows the airline to manage expansion and operations. It also permits the carrier to integrate new aircraft into its network.
Fly91 currently operates ATR-72 turboprops connecting airports under India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The airline already serves destinations including Sindhudurg and Jalgaon with this aircraft. Management identified approximately one hundred Indian airports unsuitable for larger commercial jet operations. The ATR-72 provides Fly91 with an aircraft suited to those specific routes. The turboprop’s economics align effectively with Fly91’s regional connectivity and cost model.
The airline targets tier-two and tier-three cities experiencing limited aviation connectivity currently. Smaller airports form the backbone of Fly91’s emerging regional aviation network strategy. These locations remain underserved by traditional airline operators flying larger narrow-body jets. Fly91’s expansion complements India’s government initiative to improve regional air accessibility. The airline positions itself as a primary enabler of smaller-city connectivity.
Fly91 founder and CEO Manoj Chacko emphasized strong confidence in India’s potential. He highlighted the airline’s commitment to building a reliable transportation company domestically. The forty-aircraft order represents a significant commitment to serve underserved regional Indian markets. Fleet expansion, aircraft suitability, and capital deployment collectively support Fly91’s regional strategy. The airline’s expansion mirrors the structural need for turboprop operations across India.
