{
  "id": 5319885,
  "title": "India's Fly91 orders 40 ATR turboprops in bet on smaller cities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/indias-fly91-orders-40-atr-turboprops-in-bet-on-smaller-cities",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-03T11:31:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40437774/indias-fly91-orders-40-atr-turboprops-in-bet-on-smaller-cities"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indian regional airline Fly91 has placed a substantial order for 40 ATR 72-600 turboprop planes, marking one of the largest single orders ever for the Franco-Italian manufacturer. This strategic move to capitalize on demand from smaller Indian cities is a significant boost for ATR, which holds dominance in the turboprop market. The deal's value is estimated at around $1 billion, although Fly91 CEO Manoj Chacko disclosed securing an undisclosed discount, a common practice for large aircraft orders. The first aircraft delivery is anticipated in the second half of 2027, with 40 planes arriving by 2032 or early 2033. Currently operating six ATR 72-600s, Fly91 plans to lease additional aircraft before then, expanding its fleet to 12-14 by the end of next year. Chacko highlighted India's underdeveloped air connectivity, noting that narrow-body planes only serve about 70 of the country's over 160 functional airports. With 60 planes expected after the order completion, Fly91's expansion will be a test for the airline, which has yet to turn an annual profit in a market where several regional carriers have failed. Turboprops are cost-effective for short routes and can operate from shorter runways, granting access to smaller airports and unsuitable routes for larger aircraft. Financing for the order is still pending; Chacko mentioned Fly91 is in discussions with lessors and financiers, funding upfront payments from its own resources. The airline has raised $26.3 million and is seeking a further $26.3 million, with a quarter already subscribed by existing investors. Fly91 is debt-free and anticipates reaching cash break-even by the end of the current financial year, followed by a profit-and-loss break-even the following year. Out of its 280 weekly flights, 98 benefit from viability gap funding covering half the seats under India's regional connectivity scheme, valued at approximately $1.16 million monthly.",
  "summary": "NEW DELHI: Indian regional airline Fly91 on Thursday placed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 turboprops, one of the largest single orders ever for the Franco-Italian planemaker, as the carrier bets on demand from smaller Indian cities. The order is a major boost for ATR, which dominates the turboprop market but relies on a relatively small number of countries for sales. It also highlights India’s…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}