FLY91 Eyes Massive Growth: Fleet to Hit 60 Aircraft in 5 Years
CEO Manoj Chacko reveals FLY91's plan to grow its fleet to 60 aircraft and increase weekly flights to 350, focusing on steady domestic growth.
Regional airline FLY91 is gearing up for a significant scale-up in its operations. The airline plans to expand its fleet from the current six aircraft to approximately 60 over the next five years, with a strategic focus on increasing its operational footprint across India. According to MD and CEO Manoj Chacko, the airline is also targeting nearly 350 weekly flights during the upcoming winter schedule.
The Roadmap for Fleet Expansion
To achieve this ambitious target, FLY91 has already placed an order for 40 aircraft. Chacko detailed a delivery timeline that begins around this time next year, with the final aircraft of this specific order expected to arrive by 2032.
However, the growth won't rely solely on this single order. The CEO noted that the airline will also induct additional aircraft outside of this agreement to reach the total goal of 60 planes within the five-year window.
A 'Test Match' Approach to Growth
While the numbers are impressive, the leadership at FLY91 is intentionally avoiding a "growth at all costs" mentality. Chacko likened the airline's strategy to a Test match in cricket, emphasizing steady and structured progress over rapid, volatile expansion.
Currently, the airline operates across 14 stations. The jump to 350 weekly flights in the winter schedule marks a substantial increase in frequency and capacity compared to their previous operations.
Domestic Demand and High-Traffic Routes
FLY91 is seeing a surge in regional travel, with several routes already hitting full capacity. Chacko attributed some of this domestic boom to the ongoing Gulf crisis, which has shifted more travel demand within India.
- Navi Mumbai to Goa: Flights have been fully booked since day one of launch.
- Tirupati: The airline's two to three daily flights are consistently sold out.
- Lakshadweep and Sindhudurg: Both destinations are witnessing strong passenger demand.
Future International Aspirations
When asked about moving beyond Indian borders, Chacko mentioned that the airline could eventually look at regional international routes. Potential destinations include:
- Bhutan
- Sri Lanka
- The Maldives
- Bangladesh
- Vietnam
Despite these possibilities, the CEO clarified that FLY91 is in no rush. The airline does not currently meet the government's guidelines for international operations, and the primary focus remains on satisfying domestic demand first.
Navigating Costs and Government Support
Rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices remain a challenge for the industry. However, Chacko believes FLY91 is better positioned than larger carriers due to the use of fuel-efficient aircraft, which keeps their fuel-to-revenue ratios lower.
Advice on the UDAN Programme
Regarding the government's UDAN scheme, Chacko welcomed the initiative but offered a stern warning to other new entrants in the aviation sector. He urged airlines not to build their entire business models around government subsidies.
"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," Chacko stated.
He emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for the commercial viability of regional routes lies with the airlines, not the government, especially once the support period under the UDAN scheme concludes.