With the ongoing expansion of regional air connectivity, India is likely to add around 200 ATR turboprop planes in the next ten years.
Aircraft manufacturer ATR stands for Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de Transport Régional, which is an Italian-French aircraft manufacturer specializing in the production of regional turboprop airplanes.
Also Read
ATR's Big Opportunity
Jean-Pierre Clercin, ATR's head of sales for Asia Pacific, was quoted by American media outlet Airways as saying that the increasing demand for regional air travel in India presents great opportunities for ATR.
He highlighted the flexibility of the planes, which makes them capable of operating at a variety of airports, from small regional ones with basic infrastructure to larger hubs.
The Need For Turboprops
India currently has 67 ATR aircraft in service, making it the second-largest market for these planes after Indonesia. Turboprops, which can handle short runways, are gaining popularity for regional routes and can carry up to 90 passengers.
IndiGo (6E), the largest operator of ATR aircraft in India, currently has a fleet of 45 ATR planes. The airline is expecting to receive five more starting from November. In addition, the airline is thinking about ordering 100 more smaller planes to grow its regional operations.
IndiGo's long-term plan is aimed at improving connectivity across India, especially in areas with the potential for steady demand.
Alliance Air (9I), which is owned by the Indian government, currently operates a fleet of 20 ATR planes. Newer airlines like FLY91, which began flying with two ATR 72 planes in March, aim to double their fleet by November and expand services on both regional connectivity schemes (RCS) and other routes.
Other emerging airlines, including Air Kerala and Alhind Air, are also looking to acquire ATR planes.
India's Air Travel Surge
Air travel in India is on the rise, with 79.3 million passengers flying within the country during the first half of 2024, marking a record high.
The government's regional connectivity program has played a major role in this growth, making air travel affordable for millions and helping to develop regional airports. Since it started, the scheme has carried over 14.2 million passengers.
Despite hurdles such as delays in airport development and airline shutdowns, India's aviation market continues to grow, with new airlines and aircraft orders driving the expansion of regional connectivity.
Published: 10 Sept 2024, 09:55 am IST
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.