New Delhi [India], November 3 (ANI): Regional airline FLY91 plans to expand its fleet from the current six aircraft to approximately 60 over the next five years, while increasing its operations to nearly 350 weekly flights during the winter schedule, according to its MD and CEO Manoj Chacko.

Speaking to ANI, Chacko said the airline has placed an order for 40 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027 and continue until 2032.

'As part of this new aircraft order, the first aircraft is expected to be delivered around this time next year, while the 40th and final aircraft will be delivered sometime in 2032,' he said.

He added, 'We currently have six aircraft in our fleet, and we will also be inducting additional aircraft outside this order. Our plan is to expand FLY91's fleet to approximately 60 aircraft over the next five years.'

Highlighting the airline's expansion strategy, Chacko said FLY91 is focusing on steady and structured growth rather than rapid expansion.

'We are possibly not the fastest-growing airline. We are playing a Test match, so we are taking things slowly, or rather, steadily,' he said.

On network expansion, Chacko said the airline currently operates across 14 stations and plans to increase flight frequencies significantly during the winter schedule.

'We have built our network slowly and steadily, and we currently operate across 14 stations. In the winter schedule, we are going to operate close to 350 weekly flights. That is a significant step up from where we were earlier,' he said.

On plans to launch international operations, Chacko said the airline could eventually explore regional routes connecting India with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

However, he clarified that FLY91 does not currently meet the government's guidelines for international operations and is in no hurry to expand overseas.

'Our priority is to meet domestic demand first before expanding into international operations,' he said.

Highlighting strong domestic passenger demand, Chacko said the airline has not witnessed any slowdown in regional travel, with several routes operating at full capacity.

'I think because of the Gulf crisis, there's a lot of demand within India right now. You know, people want to fly to Goa. We just launched Navi Mumbai-Goa flights, and the flights are literally going full from day one,' he said.

He added that flights to Lakshadweep and Sindhudurg are witnessing strong demand, while the airline's two to three daily flights serving Tirupati are also sold out.

On the impact of rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, Chacko said the airline faces cost pressures, but its fuel-efficient aircraft help limit the impact compared with larger carriers.

'Our fuel-to-revenue ratios are much lower compared to those of the bigger airlines,' he said.

Commenting on the new UDAN programme, Chacko welcomed the initiative but cautioned airlines against relying entirely on government support for their business models.

'My only advice to new airlines would be: don't build your business model just on UDAN. You've got to build your business model on sound business logic and sound economics,' he said.

He emphasised that airlines must ensure the commercial viability of regional routes even after support under the UDAN scheme ends.

'The responsibility is not the government's; the responsibility is that of the airlines,' Chacko added. (ANI)