Fly91 and ATR Secure Regional Growth with 8-Year Maintenance Deal

Fly91 and ATR Solidify Partnership with Eight-Year Support Deal

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Jan 31, 2026 - : 8:30 am

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The Indo-Pacific regional aviation landscape is witnessing a significant consolidation of operational stability as Fly91, India’s emerging regional specialist, formalises a long-term commitment with turboprop manufacturer ATR. On 29 January 2026, the two entities signed an eight-year Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) designed to underpin the carrier’s aggressive growth trajectory. This agreement extends a collaboration that began at the airline's inception in 2024, providing the Goan-headquartered operator with essential cost predictability and technical support as it prepares to scale its fleet.

Strategic Fleet Expansion and Operational Resilience

Fly91 currently operates a fleet of four ATR 72-600 aircraft, a backbone of regional connectivity known for its efficiency on short-haul sectors. In a move to bolster its network, the airline recently secured two additional ATR 72-600s through a lease agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) on 5 January 2026. These units are expected to join the line in early 2026, bringing the total fleet to six. This expansion is a calculated step towards the airline's medium-term goal of operating 30 aircraft within five years, connecting over 50 cities across the Indian subcontinent.

According to reports from official manufacturer statements and mainstream aerospace outlets on 30 January 2026, the renewed GMA covers a comprehensive suite of services. These include lease stock, standard exchange, and repair of line-replaceable units (LRUs), alongside dedicated propeller maintenance. For a regional startup, such an arrangement is a vital hedge against the volatility of global supply chains that have hampered the industry’s recovery post-pandemic.

Enhancing Last-Mile Connectivity in India

The operational data justifies this deep-seated partnership; Fly91's aircraft have recorded high utilisation rates, exceeding 2,500 flight hours per year. This intensity reflects the soaring demand for air travel between India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. By securing long-term MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) support, Fly91 is positioning itself to lead the "last-mile" connectivity charge, focusing on routes like Hubballi, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry that require the short-field performance and economic profile of the ATR 72-600.

Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fly91, highlighted the necessity of this collaboration for the airline's lean business model. He noted that the last 22 months of operations demonstrated the importance of having a dependable maintenance partner. He stated that ATR’s GMA has been instrumental in keeping their aircraft flying reliably, even amid global supply chain constraints. He further added that as a lean and cost-focused start-up, the visibility the GMA provides on future maintenance costs is critical.

The Asia Pacific Regional Perspective

From a broader Asia Pacific perspective, the Fly91-ATR deal serves as a bellwether for the regional turboprop market. Stefano Marazzani, Senior Vice President of Customer Support and Services at ATR, expressed pride in standing alongside the airline as its network and fleet continue to grow. He remarked that the Global Maintenance Agreement delivers value consistently while offering an ambitious airline like Fly91 the crucial benefit of cost visibility and control needed to scale operations smoothly.

This partnership aligns with the wider regional trend where operators are increasingly prioritising operational reliability over rapid, unhedged expansion. As India continues to strengthen air links between smaller urban centres, the role of predictable, manufacturer-backed maintenance solutions becomes a cornerstone for sustainable commercial aviation. For the aerospace industry, this deal reinforces ATR’s dominance in the regional segment and underscores the maturity of the Indian MRO ecosystem.