Indian regional airline FLY91 has added two ATR 72-600 aircraft to its growing fleet in a ceremony at Dubai World Central (DWC), emphasizing the strengthening aviation ties between India and the UAE.
The event was witnessed by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the ceremony included the formal delivery and exclusive viewing of the two new aircraft, which now join FLY91’s growing fleet, marking a new phase of collaboration between the airline and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).
The event brought together senior government officials and aviation leaders, reflecting the UAE’s position as a global hub for aviation excellence and international collaboration.
The two ATR 72-600 aircraft, acquired from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), represent a strategic addition to the airline’s fleet and will be deployed across underserved regional markets in India, in line with FLY91’s long-term strategy to provide sustainable and inclusive air connectivity.
FLY91 broadens horizons
FLY91 currently operates to nine destinations across India: Mopa (Goa), Agatti, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi, connecting emerging regional centers.
Before the end of March 2026, the airline will further expand its network with the launch of six additional destinations: Rajahmundry and Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Hubballi (Karnataka), Nanded (Maharashtra), Dabolim (South Goa), and Indore (Madhya Pradesh), reinforcing its commitment to structured and sustained regional growth.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan UAE Minister – Tolerance and Coexistence
It gives me great pleasure to join you today as we celebrate the delivery and exclusive viewing of two brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft joining FLY91’s growing fleet. The ATR 72-600 is globally recognized for its efficiency, reliability, and performance. It is ideally suited to operate in the communities FLY91 seeks to serve. The aircraft brings FLY91’s fleet to six aircraft since commencing operations in March 2024. In just two years, the company has demonstrated what can be achieved through clarity of vision, disciplined growth, and a steadfast commitment to serving its communities.”
Sheikh Al Nahyan described FLY91’s plan to connect over 50 Indian cities with 30 aircraft as bold nation-building that drives inclusion and unlocks emerging markets. He asserted DAE’s role as a leading global aviation services provider, with its partnership with FLY91 reflecting a commitment to responsible, sustainable growth beyond commercial objectives.
UAE-India Relations
The UAE minister spotlighted the strong ties between the India and the United Arab Emirates, with aviation playing a key role in connecting markets, investors, and communities. He cited Dubai as an ideal venue, underscoring the UAE’s global aviation leadership, innovation-driven environment, and advanced infrastructure, guided by the vision of Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Al Nahyan also extended congratulations to FLY91 and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise on the induction of two ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking a milestone in ambition, partnership, and shared growth.
Image credits: FLY91| Cropped by GBN
For his part, Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said that, “We are honored to welcome two new aircraft into our fleet in Dubai, a city that represents global best practice in aviation infrastructure, services, and partnerships. This milestone reinforces our commitment to building India’s most dependable regional airline while deepening collaboration with leading institutions in the UAE.”
Harsha Raghavan, Chairman of FLY91 and Managing Partner at Convergent Finance, highlighted the UAE’s leadership in building a world-class aviation ecosystem, noting that FLY91’s engagement reflects a shared commitment to responsible growth, technical excellence, and long-term value creation, with strategic partnerships central to its expansion plans.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, expressed support for FLY91’s regional expansion across India, stating that the ATR 72-600 is well suited for efficient and sustainable operations in developing markets, and reaffirmed DAE’s focus on backing resilient, forward-looking aviation platforms.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR, noted that India is entering a strong phase of aviation growth driven by regional connectivity, with the ATR 72-600 ideally positioned to serve underserved destinations, while also underscoring the strength of Indo-French aviation cooperation and Dubai’s role as a global hub for industry collaboration.
