Indian regional airline Fly91 has placed an order for 40 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, signalling a long-term bet on air travel between smaller cities that remain underserved by larger jets. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2027 and continue into the early 2030s.
A fleet built for smaller airports
The ATR 72-600 can carry up to 78 passengers and is designed for short regional sectors. Its ability to serve airports with shorter or more demanding runways makes it a common choice for routes where narrow-body aircraft are uneconomical or operationally unsuitable.
Reuters valued the deal at about $1 billion at list prices, while noting that large aircraft orders are commonly discounted. Fly91 currently operates six ATR aircraft and plans to lease additional planes before the new deliveries begin.
Why regional connectivity matters
India has more than 160 operational airports, but the airline says narrow-body services reach only about 70 of them. Fly91’s strategy is to build direct links among tier-two and tier-three cities, avoiding the need for passengers to connect through major hubs.
The carrier also participates in the government’s regional connectivity programme, which supports selected routes while demand develops. Around 35% of its weekly flights currently receive support under that framework, according to Reuters.
Growth plan and financial test
Fly91 ultimately expects to operate about 60 aircraft. Management says the airline remains debt-free and is targeting cash break-even by the end of the current financial year, followed by full profitability. Meeting those goals will depend on disciplined capacity growth, fuel prices, airport infrastructure and steady demand outside the biggest metros.
The order is also significant for ATR because it reinforces India’s position as a major market for turboprop aviation. ATR describes the 72-600 as offering lower operating costs than regional jets on short routes, although actual economics vary by network and utilisation.
