Regional airline FLY91 has taken an important step in expanding its flight network by leasing two brand-new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).

The two aircraft will be delivered later this month from ATR’s factory in Toulouse, France. With these additions, FLY91 plans to increase the number of flights on its existing routes and also start new services to Hubballi (Karnataka), Vijayawada and Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), Nanded (Maharashtra) and Dabolim (Goa).

After adding these aircraft, FLY91’s total fleet strength will rise to six aircraft.

FLY91 is following a strategy focused on improving air connectivity to India’s smaller cities and emerging regional centres. The airline aims to provide reliable and affordable air services to tier-2 and tier-3 cities that are often underserved by major airlines.

“These new aircraft will help us strengthen our network and serve more regional destinations while maintaining financial discipline,” said Manoj Chacko, CEO and Managing Director, FLY91. He added that the ATR 72-600 aircraft are well-suited for short regional routes because they are fuel-efficient, reliable and can operate from smaller airports.

FLY91 had earlier inducted its first two aircraft through DAE, making this its second fleet expansion partnership with the leasing company.

FLY91 began commercial operations in March 2024 and is based at Manohar International Airport in Goa. The airline currently connects Goa with cities such as Solapur, Jalgaon and Agatti (Lakshadweep Islands).

It also operates flights to major cities including Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, while steadily adding new regional destinations like Sindhudurg. With the addition of the two new aircraft, FLY91 is expected to further strengthen regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible for passengers in smaller cities across India.