Malayali-led FLY91 places landmark order for 40 new aircraft
IN a major achievement for Indian regional aviation, FLY91, the Goa-based airline founded and led by Malayali aviation professional Manoj Chacko, has placed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft in a deal valued at around $1 billion (approximately ₹9,400 crore).
The order, announced on September 3, is the largest-ever firm order placed with ATR by a regional airline and the aircraft manufacturer’s largest firm order in almost a decade. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue through 2032.
From six aircraft to a fleet of 60
FLY91 currently operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft. With the new order, the airline plans to build a fleet of around 60 aircraft within the next five years, dramatically expanding its presence in India's regional aviation market.
ATR Aircraft
Until the new aircraft begin arriving, FLY91 plans to lease another six to eight aircraft to support its expansion. The airline is targeting a much larger network connecting smaller cities and towns that are not adequately served by larger airlines.
Focus on smaller cities
The 72-seat ATR 72-600 is particularly suited to FLY91's strategy because turboprop aircraft can operate efficiently on shorter routes and at airports where larger Airbus and Boeing jets may not be commercially viable.
FLY91 aims to connect more Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with a long-term target of serving more than 50 cities. Kerala is also expected to benefit from the expansion. Besides its existing Kochi operations, Kannur is being considered as a future destination, while a Mangaluru service is expected soon.
A Malayali aviation entrepreneur
Manoj Chacko, who has around 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, founded FLY91 with the vision of strengthening India's regional air connectivity. The airline began commercial operations in 2024, making its base at Goa's Manohar International Airport.
In just about two and a half years, FLY91 says it has operated more than 15,000 flights, with around 280 weekly flights to 12 cities. A 13th destination is scheduled to be added shortly.
The company's name, FLY91, incorporates India's international telephone calling code, +91.
Building India's regional aviation network
FLY91's expansion comes at a time when India's domestic aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth. The government-backed UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) programme is designed to improve air connectivity to underserved and unserved cities.
FLY91 CEO Manoj Chacko has pointed out that only about 70 of India's more than 160 functional airports are currently served by larger jet aircraft, leaving considerable scope for regional turboprops.
The ATR order therefore represents more than a fleet expansion for FLY91. It signals an ambitious attempt by a Malayali-led Indian airline to build a nationwide regional network, bringing air travel closer to smaller cities and opening new opportunities for business, tourism and employment.
For Kerala, the prospect of FLY91 expanding to Kannur adds an especially significant dimension to the airline's ambitious growth story.
