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India’s SAF industry could create new agricultural markets, attract global investment and develop up to 40 million tonnes of annual production potential by 2050 NEW DELHI, 29th September  2026:  India’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ambitions are creating a new intersection between aviation, agriculture, energy, technology and global investment, as the country seeks to build a globally competitive SAF production ecosystem. More than 500 delegates from 25+ countries, representing 200 companies and 100 industry leaders, gathered at Bharat Mandapam on September 28–29 for the second India SAF Conclave & Awards, organised by the SAF Association (SAFA). The two-day international platform brought together airlines, refiners, investors, technology companies, feedstock producers, policymakers and sustainability organisations to examine how India can move from SAF policy and targets to investment, production and commercial-scale deployment. India’s indicative SAF blending pathway for international aviation calls for 1% in 2027, 2% in 2028 and 5% by 2030, creating growing demand for production capacity, feedstock, infrastructure, certification and long-term offtake. From Indian farms to global aviation The SAF opportunity extends beyond aviation. Agricultural residues, ethanol, used cooking oil and other feedstocks could create new markets across India’s rural economy. Estimates presented at the conclave indicate that SAF feedstock opportunities could potentially add around US$160–300 (₹15,000–₹29,000) per hectare to farmer income, depending on feedstock, yields, collection systems and market economics. Various studies estimate that India could develop the potential to produce around 40 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2050, representing approximately 8–10% of estimated global SAF potential. “SAFA is committed to bringing the entire SAF value chain together through industry-led collaboration and global partnerships,” said Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, SAF Association & CMAI. “Our focus is to power the SAF transition together by connecting policymakers, investors, technology providers, feedstock players and buyers to create practical opportunities and turn collaboration into projects, investment and commercial-scale SAF production.” Investment, technology and global partnerships The conclave featured discussions across HEFA, Alcohol-to-Jet, Power-to-Liquid, Gas-to-SAF, carbon capture, project finance and long-term offtake agreements. Through its SAFA Matchmaking programme, the association connected project developers with investors, technology providers, feedstock companies and prospective buyers, creating opportunities for commercial partnerships and investment. International cooperation was also a major theme H.E. Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of Oman to India, said: “India’s SAF transition presents significant opportunities for collaboration across energy, technology and investment. Strong India-Oman partnerships can help develop sustainable aviation solutions and strengthen the clean-energy ecosystem. International cooperation will be critical to accelerating SAF adoption and building a sustainable aviation future.” H.E. Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland to India, said: “Green technologies and Power-to-X pathways can play an important role in shaping the next generation of sustainable aviation. Innovation must be connected with investment, technology deployment and practical implementation.” Making SAF’s climate benefit measurable SAF can deliver up to 80–90% lifecycle CO₂ emissions savings, depending on the feedstock and production pathway. Demonstrating those reductions through robust measurement, reporting, verification and certification will be essential for building confidence among airlines, investors and international markets. The conclave also examined sustainability certification, traceability and Book and Claim systems as the global SAF market develops. “Scaling SAF will require reliable feedstocks, technology readiness, financing, certification, infrastructure and long-term offtake commitments,” said Dr. Alok Sharma, Vice President, SAF Association and former Director, R&D, IOCL. The 2030 test India’s indicative pathway could increase SAF demand from approximately 46,000 tonnes in 2027 to around 250,000 tonnes by 2030. Meeting that ambition will require new production capacity, including planned HEFA and Alcohol-to-Jet projects, alongside stronger feedstock collection and supply chains. The India SAF Awards recognised organisations contributing to SAF policy, technology, feedstocks, investment, research and adoption. The event also marked the launch of SAFTimes.com, a dedicated knowledge and news platform focused on sustainable aviation fuel. India’s global SAF platform The India SAF Conclave & Awards, organised by SAFA, is emerging as an international platform connecting policy, investment, technology, feedstocks and aviation around the development of India’s SAF industry. The next edition will take place on September 16–17, 2027, in New Delhi, under the theme: “From Transition to Take-off: Scaling India’s SAF Ecosystem.”

This winter, KLM will operate up to 27 weekly flights from India, including an increase in frequency on the Delhi route, offering up to 10 flights a week. New Delhi, Oct.1st 2026: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is scaling up its Indian operations to 27 weekly flights for the upcoming winter schedule, announced senior leadership during a media briefing in Delhi. The milestone coincides with the airline’s 70th anniversary of operations in the capital, celebrating seven decades of seamlessly linking New Delhi to Amsterdam and its extensive global network. Since its maiden flight from Delhi in 1955, KLM has stood as a vital bridge between India, the Netherlands, and the rest of Europe, maintaining one of the region’s most enduring aviation partnerships. India is a focus market for KLM as the airline today operates from four key Indian cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, connecting customers to over 160 destinations worldwide through its hub at Amsterdam, Schiphol. Laure Daynie, Country Manager, Air France – KLM, India, said, “Seventy years is a truly special milestone, and we are proud to celebrate this remarkable journey with our customers, business partners and colleagues across India, said  KLM’s first direct service between India and Amsterdam operated on the Delhi – Amsterdam route, which remains one of our most important markets.” She added, ” For seven decades, this connection has brought generations of travellers, families and businesses closer together, linking India with The Netherlands and KLM’s global network. It is particularly meaningful that, in this milestone year, Delhi was chosen as the destination for KLM’s The Aviation Challenge flight and that our sustainability initiatives have been recognized here in India with our win at the SAF Awards 2026. We are proud to showcase in India how innovation, collaboration and a strong commitment to sustainability can help shape the future of aviation.” KLM “The Aviation Challenge” in Delhi The anniversary year has also placed Delhi at the heart of KLM’s sustainability agenda. On 28 September, KLM operated the flight from Amsterdam to Delhi as part of The Aviation Challenge, a SkyTeam initiative that brings airlines together to test sustainable solutions and share learnings across the industry. The flight to Delhi focused on raising awareness about SAF, an alternative to regular fuel for planes, helping customers understand its role in reducing aviation’s environmental impact and encouraging them to support the transition towards more sustainable air travel. KLM wins at India SAF Awards 2026 At the India SAF Awards 2026, organized by the SAF Association India, in Delhi, KLM’s sustainability initiatives were recognized as it was awarded ‘Best Airline for SAF Adoption (Commercial).’

The D328eco regional aircraft enters its industrialisation and production phase. €100M investment establishes Leipzig as the production home of the D328eco, with an annual capacity of up to 48 aircraft. 60,500m² footprint includes assembly line, flight readiness hangar, logistics centre and administrative headquarters. Creation of approximately 250 new direct jobs with the production ramp-up, strengthening Saxony’s aviation ecosystem. Leipzig, Germany, 29th September 2026 : Deutsche Aircraft has officially inaugurated its Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport, attended by Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Transport, and Dirk Panter, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection of the Free State of Saxony. The inauguration marks the transition of the D328eco programme from development to serial production, establishing Leipzig as the production home of Germany’s next-generation regional aircraft. The opening also represents the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony for the first time in more than 60 years, reinforcing the region’s position as a centre for aerospace and innovation. This new facility embodies the programme’s vision: “Made in Germany. Built in Saxony. Delivered to the World” — bringing together German engineering excellence, Saxony’s industrial expertise and Leipzig’s international connectivity in a single production hub. Beyond supporting the D328eco programme, the FAL strengthens Germany’s ability to design, certify, test, manufacture and support complete aircraft. Deutsche Aircraft’s integrated operations across Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig create an end-to-end aerospace capability in the country, spanning engineering, certification, flight testing, industrialisation, final assembly and customer delivery. The site reinforces Germany’s industrial resilience and competitiveness while ensuring that critical aircraft manufacturing know-how remains anchored domestically for future generations. The opening ceremony welcomed representatives from the German Federal Government, the Free State of Saxony, industry partners, suppliers, customers and members of the aviation community to celebrate the landmark occasion. Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Free State of Saxony, addressed guests via video message. Representing an investment of more than €100 million, the facility has been designed for an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft. Spanning 60,500 square metres — equivalent to approximately eight football fields — the site includes the Final Assembly Line, Flight Readiness Hangar, logistics centre and administration building. Designed as a modern, digital and sustainability-focused production environment, the FAL incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies, automated logistics systems and paperless production processes to increase efficiency, quality and transparency throughout aircraft assembly. Energy-efficient infrastructure, including photovoltaic systems and heat pump technology, reflect Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth. The Free State of Saxony is supporting the project with approximately €3.2 million through the Federal-State GRW programme (“Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures”), underlining its significance for regional economic development. Expected to create approximately 250 new direct jobs as production ramps up over the coming years, the Leipzig Final Assembly Line will support skilled employment throughout the aerospace supply chain. Beyond direct employment, the programme will create opportunities for apprentices, technicians, engineers and manufacturing specialists, nurturing the next generation of aerospace talent in Saxony. As one of the most significant aerospace investments in Germany in recent years, the Final Assembly Line represents an important contribution to the economic transformation of Central Germany. Beyond the direct creation of highly skilled jobs, the programme will generate long-term industrial value across the aerospace supply chain and strengthen Saxony’s position within Germany’s aerospace sector. Leadership Perspectives Nico Neumann, Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Aircraft:  “Today is about much more than opening a factory. It marks the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony and a major milestone for the D328eco programme. Together, our sites in Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig create an end-to-end capability for developing, certifying, industrialising, manufacturing and supporting complete aircraft in Germany. For the first time in more than 60 years, every phase of the aircraft lifecycle will be integrated under a German aircraft programme. Carrying forward Dornier’s pioneering legacy, the FAL strengthens Germany’s resilience, competitiveness and sovereign aerospace capabilities while advancing a new generation of sustainable regional aviation. Today we celebrate an important milestone. Tomorrow, we continue building the future of regional aviation.” Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Free State of Saxony (video message):  “The inauguration of this Final Assembly Line highlights Saxony’s position as a competitive industrial and aerospace location with a promising future. Investments such as those undertaken by Deutsche Aircraft strengthen our aerospace sector, create highly qualified jobs and further increase Saxony’s appeal for international industrial projects.” Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport:  “The opening of Deutsche Aircraft’s Final Assembly Line in Leipzig sends a strong signal for Germany as an industrial and aviation hub. The D328eco programme demonstrates that innovation, advanced manufacturing and sustainable regional aviation can be developed in Germany and produced for the world. By combining engineering expertise, industrial excellence and forward-looking production capabilities, Deutsche Aircraft is helping to preserve critical aerospace know-how, strengthen regional value creation, and further enhance Germany’s competitiveness in a strategically important industry.” Dirk Panter, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection:  “The opening of this Final Assembly Line is a significant milestone for Saxony as a centre for innovation and advanced manufacturing. This investment strengthens our industrial base, creates highly skilled jobs and demonstrates how economic growth and climate-conscious technologies can go hand in hand. The D328eco programme reinforces Saxony’s position as a leading aerospace location and highlights the region’s attractiveness for future-focused industries.” Marie-Christine von Hahn, Principal Managing Director, German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI):  “Germany can now develop and build a complete aircraft. Bavaria and Saxony have brought together their strengths to make this possible. With the opening of its Final Assembly Line in Leipzig, Deutsche Aircraft is sending a powerful message about the future of the German aerospace industry and Germany as a whole. The D328eco programme stands for technological innovation and long-term value creation that will benefit generations to come. This investment creates highly skilled jobs and strengthens Germany’s competitiveness on the global stage. It is a clear

New Delhi, 26th Sept 2026: GIFT City–based aircraft leasing platform SkyPulse Solutions IFSC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to establish a domestic helicopter acquisition, leasing, and lifecycle-support ecosystem in India. Under the initial agreement, SkyPulse plans to procure up to 30 HAL-manufactured helicopters in phases. The fleet will comprise Next-Generation Dhruv (Dhruv-NG) twin-engine and single-engine platforms, designed for deployment across a wide range of commercial and government missions. Onshoring Aviation Finance via GIFT City A core element of the partnership is its financing structure, anchored in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). By utilizing the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) framework, SkyPulse aims to offer localized operating leases and asset management services tailored to domestic helicopter operators. Expanding Civil Aviation Capabilities The partnership aims to expand the footprint of domestically produced helicopters into high-demand civil and utility sectors, including: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and air ambulance operations. Search and rescue (SAR) and rapid disaster response missions. Infrastructure support, tourism, and last-mile regional air connectivity. Statement from Mr. Gagan Jacobs Director, SkyPulse Solutions IFSC Private Limited: This MoU marks a defining milestone for SkyPulse and for the evolution of India’s civil helicopter ecosystem. Our vision is not simply to acquire and lease helicopters; it is to build an integrated, commercially sustainable helicopter ecosystem that brings together indigenous manufacturing, innovative aviation finance, leasing, asset management, lifecycle support and mission-ready operations. By combining HAL’s world-class indigenous aerospace capabilities with SkyPulse’s platform at GIFT City, we aim to create a scalable model through which Indian-manufactured helicopters can be deployed where they are needed most — from HEMS and air ambulance services to disaster response, search and rescue, regional connectivity, infrastructure and other critical missions. The proposed 30-helicopter programme is an important first step in this journey. Our ambition is to develop a long-term platform that supports the growth of India’s helicopter industry, strengthens domestic capabilities and creates new opportunities for financing, leasing, MRO, training and mission support. For SkyPulse, this is about more than aircraft. It is about building the financial and operational infrastructure around Indian helicopters and creating a model that can scale across India and, over time, international markets. We are proud to partner with HAL in this endeavour and look forward to translating this framework into tangible programmes that contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and the expansion of India’s civil aviation ecosystem.

Manila, 25th Sept. 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to expand travel options from India with three weekly non-stop flights from Delhi to Manila and its first-ever Mumbai–Manila service with four weekly flights beginning December 2026, subject to Indian Government approval. The new routes will give Indian travelers direct access to the Philippines and convenient onward connections through PAL’s Manila hub to destinations across Southeast Asia,North America, Australia and North Asia. “We look forward to welcoming more Indian travelers aboard Philippine Airlines and introducing them to the Philippines through our signature Filipino hospitality,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall. “Through Manila, they will also gain access to PAL’s wider network of destinations across Asia, North America and Australia.” Flights from Delhi to Manila will operate as PR643 and will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:15 AM and arrive at 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Manila–Delhi flight, PR642, will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:40 PM, reaching Delhi at 3:00 AM the following day. From Mumbai, PR647 will depart for Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:15 AM and arrive at 5:00 PM. Manila–Mumbai flights will operate as PR646 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departing at 10:40 PM and arriving at 3:05 AM the following day. All times are local. PAL will operate both routes using its 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring 12 lieflat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. Through Manila, travelers arriving from Delhi and Mumbai can connect to Philippine destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao. They will also have onward options to international destinations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda and Hong Kong. Indian nationals traveling to the Philippines for tourism or business may enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, subject to applicable entry requirements. The new Delhi and Mumbai services reinforce PAL’s role as the Philippine flag carrier— strengthening ties between India and the Philippines while connecting both countries to the world.

Dubai, 15 September 2026: flydubai has announced the next phase of its growth strategy, expanding its fleet beyond 100 aircraft and launching a new cabin retrofit programme in September.The airline will take delivery of 11 additional aircraft in 2026, including seven Boeing 737-9 MAX and four Boeing 737-8 MAX, marking a significant step in its ongoing expansion. The planned deliveries are part of flydubai’s long-term fleet modernisation plan, replacing older aircraft while offering the airline greater flexibility to expand its network, add capacity on high-demand routes and unlock future growth opportunities. The introduction of newer-generation aircraft will also reinforce flydubai’s commitment to operating a younger, more fuel-efficient fleet, while offering customers a more consistent and refined onboard experience. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Growing our fleet beyond 100 aircraft is a significant milestone for flydubai and shows how far we have come. These deliveries are central to our long-term fleet strategy, providing the capacity and flexibility to support our growing operations while operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies. Our investment does not stop with the new aircraft. We remain focused on enhancing our existing fleet, ensuring our customers enjoy a seamless and elevated experience when they travel with us. Our new retrofit programme marks another significant investment in our product offering and reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing the flydubai onboard experience.” flydubai’s Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft feature 16 Business Class and 156 Economy Class seats, compared with 10 Business Class seats on some Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.This added premium capacity allows the airline to meet strong demand for Business Class on key international routes, capture more high-yield traffic and deploy capacity more efficiently across existing flight frequencies. In addition to expanding its fleet, flydubai will roll out the next phase of its cabin retrofit programme from September, further enhancing the onboard experience across its Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Over the next 12 months, a total of 21 aircraft currently fitted with recliner Business Class seats will be retrofitted with flydubai’s signature lie-flat seats, offering passengers greater comfort throughout their flight. The programme will also see existing overhead bins replaced with Boeing’s larger Space Bins, expanding cabin baggage capacity and ensuring a smoother boarding experience for passengers. The upgraded bins can accommodate up to six standard-sized bags, compared with four in a standard overhead bin. The new programme builds on flydubai’s previous multimillion-dollar retrofit investment, which delivered a full cabin refresh across the airline’s Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 fleet, including the introduction of lie-flat Business Class seats, new Economy Class seats and inflight entertainment. Together, these enhancements represent a major step towards greater product consistency across the carrier’s growing fleet. As new aircraft join the fleet and existing aircraft are upgraded, flydubai customers will enjoy a more comfortable and convenient journey both in the air and on the ground, underscoring the airline’s commitment to elevating the customer experience as it continues to expand its fleet and network. The fleet expansion and retrofit programme are part of flydubai’s wider investment in strengthening its future capabilities, including its onboard product, technology, training and engineering infrastructure, positioning the carrier for its next phase of growth and advancing Dubai’s development as a leading global hub for aviation, trade and tourism.  

New Delhi, 9th September 2026: SriLankan Airlines has appointed Vipul Misra as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of  the airlines with effect from 9th September 2026 onwards. He brings over two decades of aircraft engineering and aviation leadership experience. His background spans across significantly large commercial carriers including Air India, Vistara, Indigo, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, and Air Deccan. His comprehensive expertise across legacy, full-service, and low-cost carriers is expected to provide strong technical and operational direction during this interim period, as the national carrier of Sri Lanka works towards enhancing its performance and long-term sustainability.  

Hyderabad, 8th September 2026: Centrum Air of Uzbekistan has officially launched the direct flight between Hyderabad and Tashkent at an event in Hyderabad. It has the presence of senior representatives from Embassy of Uzbekistan, Centrum Air, Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, Aeroprime Group, leading travel agents, OTAs and other industry stakeholders. The new service is set to provide travellers from Hyderabad and the wider Telangana and South India market with enhanced access to Tashkent and onward travel opportunities across Uzbekistan and beyond, while creating greater opportunities for tourism, business and trade between the two markets. Speaking at the occasion, Adil Mirza, Head of Agents Division, Centrum Air, said: “The launch of our Hyderabad–Tashkent service marks an important milestone in Centrum Air’s international expansion and our commitment to the Indian market. Hyderabad is a dynamic and strategically important market with strong potential for both business and leisure travel. We are delighted to connect Hyderabad directly with Tashkent and offer travellers greater access to Uzbekistan and onward destinations. We look forward to building strong relationships with the travel trade and our partners in India as we continue to expand our presence in the country” Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, Aeroprime Group, said: “The launch of direct Hyderabad–Tashkent connectivity marks another significant milestone in Centrum Air’s India growth story. With the launch of Hyderabad, Centrum Air will now operate seven weekly flights from India — five from Delhi and two from Hyderabad — achieved in less than a year of entering the Indian market. This rapid expansion reflects the airline’s strong confidence in the Indian market and the growing demand for connectivity between India and Central Asia. We are extremely proud to have contributed to this journey and to see Centrum Air reach this important milestone in such a short span.” The launch also highlighted the broader importance of India–Uzbekistan connectivity. H.E. the Ambassador of Uzbekistan addressed the gathering on the growing ties between India and Uzbekistan and the role of direct air connectivity in fostering tourism and trade between the two countries.    

New Delhi, September 04, 2026:  In a landmark development for India’s regional aviation sector, FLY91 has signed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking the largest ATR order globally by any regional airline. This sets the stage for one of the most significant fleet expansions by a regional carrier in India. The landmark deal, valued at approximately $1 billion, marks a defining milestone in India’s regional aviation journey and is set to be a game-changer for regional aviation in the country. In just two and a half years since commencing operations, Goa based FLY91 has built a strong operating foundation, having operated more than 15,000 flights and close to 280 weekly flights to 12 cities, with its 13th destination set to commence later this month. From its current fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft, FLY91 is now poised for exponential expansion to more than 60 aircraft over the coming years. The landmark order for 40 aircraft will provide the scale to build a much larger regional network and connect more unserved and under served cities across the country. The order marks a defining step in FLY91’s ambition to build a dedicated regional aviation network for Connecting Bharat. This comes at a time when the Government of India is giving fresh impetus to regional connectivity through the newly announced UDAN 2.0 framework. The signing ceremony took place at Udaan Bhawan, Ministry of Civil Aviation, in New Delhi, in the presence of Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation; Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ATR, Alexis Vidal, Chief Commercial Officer, ATR, Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91 and Harsha Raghavan, Chairman, FLY91 and Managing Partner Convergent Finance, along with ministry officials and other dignitaries. The order further strengthens ATR’s presence in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. With its strong fuel efficiency, lower emissions and ability to operate effectively from shorter runways, the ATR 72-600 is the perfect aircraft for regional flying in India. The Minister for Civil Aviation, said, “Regional connectivity is a fundamental pillar of India’s aviation growth story, and bridging smaller cities with major economic hubs remains a national priority. The Government’s Rs.28,840 crore investment under the UDAN 2.0 framework reflects our strong commitment to expanding regional air connectivity and bringing more tier 2 and tier 3 cities into the national economic mainstream. FLY91’s track record and its landmark fleet commitment reflects the confidence that India’s aviation sector continues to inspire, and investments of this scale in regional capacity will play a vital role in translating this vision into reality.” Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO, FLY91, said, “FLY91 was built on a singular conviction that India needs a dedicated regional airline focused on connecting emerging cities directly and efficiently. We have grown steadily and consistently since our launch, and this 40-aircraft order becomes the foundation for our next chapter. Having operated more than 15,000 flights in just two and a half years, we have built the operating experience and foundation to now scale significantly. Together with ATR, we are building the regional aviation network that Bharat deserves, one that unlocks opportunity, strengthens local economies, and truly keeps Bharat Unbound.” Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer, ATR, said, “We are incredibly proud that FLY91 has chosen ATR to support this new phase of its development. This expansion aligns closely with the Indian Government’s ambition to strengthen regional connectivity through UDAN, bringing affordable and reliable air transport to underserved communities. The ATR 72-600 combines unmatched economics, efficiency and reliability, enabling airlines to offer affordable fares while connecting millions of passengers to opportunities across India.” Harsha Raghavan, Chairman, FLY91 and Managing Partner, Convergent Finance, said: “As a founding partner of FLY91 and its lead investor, we have believed from the outset in the convergence of two powerful opportunities: India’s growth story and the potential of regional aviation. This 40-aircraft order is a defining milestone for FLY91 and provides the platform to scale our vision over the coming years. We believe regional connectivity will be a critical enabler of India’s next phase of growth, linking emerging economic centres, businesses and communities across the country.” Since commencing commercial operations, FLY91 has pursued steady and measured growth as a pure-play regional carrier. In just two and a half years, the airline has operated more than 15,000 flights and currently operates close to 280 weekly flights across 12 destinations. Its 13th destination is scheduled to commence later this month. The airline currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft across its regional network.