FLY91 Signs $1-Billion Order for 40 ATR 72-600 Aircraft to Expand Regional Network

Goa-based regional airline FLY91 has placed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft in a deal valued at $1 billion, representing the largest ATR order globally by a regional carrier. The airline plans to use the turboprop aircraft to scale its fleet from the existing six planes to more than 60 as regional travel expands across India.

What Happened

In an agreement announced in Mumbai, FLY91 committed to purchasing 40 ATR 72-600 turboprops to significantly scale its domestic network. The two-and-a-half-year-old regional airline currently maintains a fleet of six aircraft, operating nearly 280 weekly flights across 12 destinations, with its 13th route scheduled to begin operations later this month. According to company statements, the deal provides the foundation to expand the carrier’s fleet beyond 60 aircraft over the coming years.

Key Highlights

• Deal Valuation: The firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft carries an estimated value of $1 billion.
• Global Milestone: The transaction marks the largest ATR order globally placed by any regional airline.
• Fleet Growth: FLY91 plans to expand its operational fleet from six aircraft to more than 60.
• Operational Track Record: The airline has operated more than 15,000 flights to 12 cities over its two and a half years of service.
• Route Footprint: Current destinations include Pune, Sindhudurg, Solapur, and Jalgaon in Maharashtra; Agatti in Lakshadweep; Hubballi in Karnataka; Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh; as well as Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi, and Hyderabad.
• Policy Context: The acquisition coincides with the government’s newly announced UDAN 2.0 framework, backed by an investment of ₹28,840 crore.

Why This Matters

The substantial order highlights growing commercial commitment to regional aviation and tier-2 and tier-3 city air connectivity. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu noted that regional connectivity remains a fundamental pillar of national aviation growth, linking smaller cities with major economic hubs under the ₹28,840 crore UDAN 2.0 initiative.

From an operational standpoint, FLY91 highlighted that the ATR 72-600 offers fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and the capability to operate from shorter runways, suiting India’s regional airports. Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, stated that the aircraft’s economics and efficiency support airlines in offering affordable fares while serving underserved communities. Harsha Raghavan, Chairman of FLY91 and Managing Partner at lead investor Convergent Finance, noted that linking emerging economic centres will serve as a vital driver for regional growth.

What to Watch Next

FLY91 is preparing to launch flights to its 13th destination later this month. Observers will also track the delivery timeline as the airline begins receiving the 40 turboprops to scale its operations towards its target of more than 60 aircraft under the framework of the government’s UDAN 2.0 regional connectivity scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft did FLY91 order?

FLY91 signed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft in a deal valued at $1 billion.

How large will FLY91’s fleet become?

The order will enable the airline to grow its operational fleet from the current six aircraft to more than 60.

Where does FLY91 currently fly?

The airline operates routes connecting Pune, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Jalgaon, Agatti, Hubballi, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi, and Hyderabad, with a 13th destination launching soon.

Source: Times of India report on FLY91’s aircraft order.