GOA- FLY91 (IC), India’s newest regional airline headquartered in Goa, has announced new direct routes connecting Solapur (SSE), Maharashtra, with Mumbai (BOM) and Goa (GOX). These routes aim to enhance last-mile air connectivity for tier-two and tier-three towns in India.
Solapur, a major textile, industrial, and pilgrimage hub, will now have direct air links to Mumbai, the country’s commercial capital, and Goa, a prominent tourism destination.
FLY91 Launches Solapur Flights
The addition of the Goa-Solapur and Mumbai-Solapur routes increases FLY91’s network to nine domestic destinations. Operations on these routes will commence on December 23, with ticket sales opening in the coming days.
The airline emphasizes that these flights will provide a reliable and efficient transportation option for travelers between these regions.
This development aligns with FLY91’s commitment to improving regional connectivity, supporting the Union Aviation Ministry’s UDAN scheme. The scheme aims to increase accessibility and air travel options in underserved and remote areas.
“FLY91 is proud to introduce these new direct routes, making it the only airline offering direct connectivity between Mumbai and Solapur,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91.
He highlighted Solapur’s significance as an industrial and pilgrimage hub, adding that connecting the town to Goa provides a convenient tourism gateway for Solapur residents.
The new routes are expected to boost trade and tourism while offering improved connectivity for travelers in Solapur and surrounding regions.
Based at Goa’s Manohar International Airport, FLY91 currently operates flights connecting Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Agatti (Lakshadweep), Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The airline launched operations on March 24, 2024, and continues to expand its network with a focus on regional accessibility.
On October 27, 2024, FLY91 recently introduced daily flights on the Pune-Goa and Pune-Jalgaon routes. The launch aims to cater to increased travel demand during the Diwali season while enhancing air connectivity to Pune, Maharashtra’s cultural and IT hub.
The Pune-Goa route is expected to serve a diverse passenger base, including students, leisure travelers, and participants in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Fleet Expansion Plans
FLY91 plans to triple its fleet by the end of fiscal year 2025, expanding from two to six ATR aircraft to strengthen its foothold in the regional aviation market. The airline’s growth strategy focuses on enhancing connectivity and increasing flight frequencies across its network.
Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91 shared the expansion details in an interview with CNBC-TV18. He confirmed that two additional aircraft would join the fleet within the next few months, with six operational by the end of the financial year. FLY91 currently operates from its Goa hub, connecting seven cities with 10 route pairs.
The airline’s business model is built around its six-aircraft plan, which Chacko stated will support its goal of providing efficient and reliable connectivity for regional destinations. He also highlighted the critical role of the government’s UDAN scheme in fostering regional air connectivity and supporting emerging airlines in the aviation sector.
Chacko called for policy enhancements, urging collaboration between the government and Indian banks to better recognize aircraft as assets.
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