FLY91 Places Major Order for 40 ATR 72‑600s, Marking a Significant Expansion of India’s Regional Fleet

Goa based start up FLY91 has placed a firm order for 40 ATR 72‑600 aircraft, representing the largest ATR firm order in nearly a decade and the largest ever placed by a regional airline. The agreement underscores the growing scale of India’s regional aviation market and the increasing demand for efficient turboprop operations.

With this commitment, ATR’s order intake for 2026 rises to 54 aircraft, already exceeding the manufacturer’s total orders recorded in 2025. The deal provides a substantial boost to ATR’s production outlook and reinforces the 72‑600’s position as the leading turboprop for short‑haul regional routes.

FLY91 plans to expand its fleet from six ATR aircraft today to 60 within five years, outlining one of the most ambitious regional growth strategies in India. The airline intends to deploy the additional aircraft across Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities, supporting direct, point‑to‑point connectivity where turboprops offer optimal performance and economics.

The airline’s leadership emphasised that India’s regional connectivity requires aircraft capable of operating reliably and economically across diverse environments. The ATR 72‑600’s fuel efficiency, short‑runway capability, and proven performance make it well suited to the operational needs of emerging routes under India’s expanding regional aviation framework.

FLY91 and ATR stated that the combined fleet expansion will enable more communities to access dependable air transport, improving mobility and supporting local economic development. The aircraft will play a central role in connecting underserved regions, providing a responsive and sustainable solution for India’s growing domestic market.