GURUGRAM- FlyBig (S9), based in Gurugram, recently reached a mutual agreement with Avation to return its sole ATR-72-500 aircraft. This return led to Avation’s selling the 12-year-old turboprop to Buddha Air (U4) in Nepal.
By September 2023, the airline operates with a fleet of four aircraft and provide services to 20 destinations across 7 states.
FlyBig Ends ATR-72s Operations
The aircraft, registered as VT-FBA with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 955, completed its final revenue flight on August 27, 2023, traveling from Kolkata to Guwahati, according to data from Flightradar24’s ADS-B.
Subsequently, the ATR72-500 was ferried to Hyderabad International on October 9 after being returned to the lessor. On October 27, the aircraft was ferried to Kathmandu, where it will adopt the registration 9N-AOC.
The Indian regional airline currently maintains two ATR72-600s (with only one in active service) and one DHC-6-400. The carrier is also expecting the delivery of two additional Twin Otters.
Orders for De Havilland Canada DHC-6
During the Paris International Air Show, De Havilland Canada and Flybig (S9) entered into a Purchase Agreement to acquire two Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft.
Additionally, they have signed a Letter of Interest. Further, they expressed their intention to purchase 10 new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft.
Brian Chafe, the Chief Executive Officer of De Havilland Canada, expressed pride in welcoming flybig as the first Twin Otter Series 400 operator in India.
He also acknowledged the potential future acquisition of 10 new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft by flybig. Further emphasizing the aircraft’s role in connecting remote communities.
Sanjay Mandavia, Chairman and Managing Director of FlyBig, highlighted the suitability of Twin Otter aircraft for India’s UDAN regional airport development program. Which aims to improve air connectivity in underserviced routes and connect Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities.
Mandavia expressed that the two Series 400 aircraft will contribute to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of connecting India’s hinterland.
He also expressed eagerness to collaborate with De Havilland Canada on potential future acquisitions of the new Classic 300-G aircraft.
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