FLY91 Takes India’s Regional Aviation Network to New Heights With ATR Deal

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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September 3, 2026 7:56 PM

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FLY91 will significantly impact India’s regional aviation altogether. A 40-order ATR 72-600 recently booked by FLY91 is the largest order of ATR aircrafts in history. This is also the largest order of any regional aircraft in history. The order will aid FLY91’s network expansion into smaller cities and less developed areas of India. FLY91 will use this order of aircrafts to support their mission of improving connectivity. FLY91 is not the only carrier in India looking to use regional aviation to their advantage and connect smaller areas to specialists and services.

Valued at approximately US$1 billion, the deal marks a significant milestone in India’s aviation growth story and strengthens FLY91’s mission to create a dedicated regional airline network focused on improving air access across Bharat.

In just two and a half years since beginning operations, Goa-based FLY91 has established a strong presence in India’s regional aviation market. The airline has operated more than 15,000 flights and currently runs nearly 280 weekly flights connecting 12 cities. Its network is expected to expand further with the launch of its 13th destination later this month.

Operating a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft today, FLY91 is preparing for rapid growth that could increase its fleet size to more than 60 aircraft in the coming years. The new order for 40 aircraft will provide the airline with the scale needed to expand operations, strengthen regional connectivity and connect more unserved and underserved cities across India.

The major fleet expansion aligns with FLY91’s vision of building a regional aviation network that supports the country’s growing demand for affordable and accessible air travel. The announcement also comes as the Government of India continues to boost regional connectivity through the newly introduced UDAN 2.0 framework, aimed at improving air links between smaller cities and major economic centres.

The aircraft order was formally announced during a signing ceremony at Udaan Bhawan, Ministry of Civil Aviation, in New Delhi. The event was attended by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, ATR Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR Chief Commercial Officer Alexis Vidal, FLY91 Founder, Managing Director and CEO Manoj Chacko, FLY91 Chairman and Convergent Finance Managing Partner Harsha Raghavan, along with senior government officials and aviation industry representatives.

The agreement further strengthens ATR’s growing presence in India, one of the world’s fastest-expanding aviation markets. The ATR 72-600 remains well suited for regional operations due to its fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, operational flexibility and ability to serve airports with shorter runways.

With this historic order, FLY91 is positioning itself as a major player in India’s regional aviation expansion, supporting the country’s goal of bringing more cities into the national air connectivity network.

Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, said, “Regional connectivity is a fundamental pillar of India’s aviation growth story, and bridging smaller cities with major economic hubs remains a national priority. The Government’s ₹28,840 crore investment under the UDAN 2.0 framework reflects our strong commitment to expanding regional air connectivity and bringing more tier 2 and tier 3 cities into the national economic mainstream. FLY91’s track record and its landmark fleet commitment reflects the confidence that India’s aviation sector continues to inspire, and investments of this scale in regional capacity will play a vital role in translating this vision into reality.”

Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91, said, “FLY91 was built on a singular conviction that India needs a dedicated regional airline focused on connecting emerging cities directly and efficiently. We have grown steadily and consistently since our launch, and this 40-aircraft order becomes the foundation for our next chapter. Having operated more than 15,000 flights in just two and a half years, we have built the operating experience and foundation to now scale significantly. Together with ATR, we are building the regional aviation network that Bharat deserves, one that unlocks opportunity, strengthens local economies, and truly keeps Bharat Unbound.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer, ATR, said, “We are incredibly proud that FLY91 has chosen ATR to support this new phase of its development. This expansion aligns closely with the Indian Government’s ambition to strengthen regional connectivity through UDAN, bringing affordable and reliable air transport to underserved communities. The ATR 72-600 combines unmatched economics, efficiency and reliability, enabling airlines to offer affordable fares while connecting millions of passengers to opportunities across India.”

Harsha Raghavan, Chairman, FLY91 and Managing Partner, Convergent Finance, said: “As a founding partner of FLY91 and its lead investor, we have believed from the outset in the convergence of two powerful opportunities: India’s growth story and the potential of regional aviation. This 40-aircraft order is a defining milestone for FLY91 and provides the platform to scale our vision over the coming years. We believe regional connectivity will be a critical enabler of India’s next phase of growth, linking emerging economic centres, businesses and communities across the country.” 

Since launching commercial services, FLY91 has followed a focused and sustainable growth strategy as a dedicated regional airline. Within just two and a half years of operations, the carrier has completed more than 15,000 flights and now operates nearly 280 weekly flights connecting 12 destinations across its network. The airline is preparing to further expand its footprint with the launch of its 13th destination later this month. FLY91 currently operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft, supporting its mission to strengthen regional air connectivity across India.