India’s regional aviation sector is set for a significant boost after FLY91 announced a landmark order for 40 ATR 72 600 aircraft, worth around $1 billion.
The agreement, announced in New Delhi on 3 September 2026, represents the largest firm order for ATR aircraft in almost a decade and the largest ever placed by a regional airline.
With deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2032, the deal will support FLY91’s ambitious plans to expand its fleet and strengthen connections between India’s smaller cities and major economic centres.
FLY91 plans major fleet expansion
Less than three years after launching operations, FLY91 is preparing for a dramatic increase in scale.
The Goa based regional airline currently operates six aircraft and plans to grow its fleet to 60 aircraft over the next five years. The new ATR 72 600s will form a central part of that expansion, providing the capacity needed to develop its regional network.
FLY91 currently operates more than 280 weekly flights connecting 13 destinations across India, including Pune, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Jalgaon, Agatti, Hubballi, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi and Hyderabad.
The airline has built its business around connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating more direct links between emerging economic centres and established hubs.
A major opportunity for regional connectivity
The order arrives as India’s aviation industry continues to look beyond its largest metropolitan markets.
According to ATR’s Mobility Monitor, India sees approximately 4.6 billion intercity journeys every year, but only around 3% currently take place by air.
That highlights the significant opportunity available to regional aviation as more travellers gain access to affordable air services.
The expansion of regional connectivity could support up to 35 million additional passengers as the market develops, while opening up greater access to air travel for communities where flying has historically been less accessible.
Designed for regional routes
The ATR 72 600 has been selected for its suitability for short regional routes, where operating efficiency and affordability are particularly important.
For FLY91, the aircraft will help support its focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where demand for reliable connections is growing.
Fuel costs represent a significant part of airline operating expenses, making efficient aircraft particularly important for regional carriers. The ATR 72 600 is designed specifically for this type of operation, allowing airlines to serve shorter routes efficiently.
For passengers, that combination could help make regional air travel more accessible while giving businesses and communities improved connections.
Confidence in India’s aviation future
The landmark order also reflects strong confidence in the long term potential of India’s regional aviation market.
Harsha Raghavan, Chairman of FLY91 and Managing Partner at Convergent Finance, said the company had believed from the beginning in the potential created by the combination of India’s economic growth and regional aviation.
He described the 40 aircraft order as a defining milestone that provides the platform for FLY91’s next phase of expansion.
Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said the airline was created around the belief that India needs a dedicated regional network capable of connecting emerging cities directly and efficiently.
He added that the ATR 72 600 offers the operating economics required for FLY91’s network and that the strengthened partnership with ATR will be central to its expansion.
A landmark order for ATR
The agreement is also an important milestone for ATR.
The 40 aircraft order takes ATR’s 2026 order intake to 54 aircraft, already exceeding its total net orders for the whole of 2025.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said the company was proud that FLY91 had selected ATR to support its next stage of development.
She highlighted the role of regional aviation in India’s connectivity ambitions, particularly through the Government’s UDAN programme, which aims to improve air connectivity to underserved communities.
Building India’s next regional network
For FLY91, the new aircraft represent more than an increase in fleet size. They provide the foundation for a much broader regional network at a time when India’s aviation market has significant room for growth.
The airline’s expansion could help connect more emerging economic centres, businesses and communities while giving millions of potential passengers greater access to domestic air travel.
With deliveries beginning in 2027, FLY91 now has a substantial fleet expansion programme ahead of it. The $1 billion commitment marks a major vote of confidence in the future of regional aviation and positions the airline for an ambitious next chapter.
Source: ATR
Image: ATR