Jet Airways (JAI, Mumbai International) is planning to transition its fleet to an all-jet composition following reports it is looking to retire its fleet of ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops.

The Indian carrier currently operates fifteen ATR72-500s and three -600s on scheduled passenger flights connecting India's Tier I cities with smaller Tier II and III towns.

However, sources familiar with the matter told India's Business Standard newspaper that the aircraft are being withdrawn given Jet Airways' decision to focus on its international operational network. The type is also hamstrung by a lack of local pilots. As such, Jet Airways is forced to recruit foreign pilots to man the ATRs leading to higher operating costs.

"ATRs no more suit our strategy. Their maintenance costs are higher, getting pilots for them is difficult, and for the management it was becoming too difficult as the network strategy of operating an ATR is very different from that of a Boeing 737 or Airbus A330," the sources said.

As it stands, Jet Airways has been gradually replacing the ATRs with larger B737 jets on select routes including Delhi International-Bhopal, Pune-Hyderabad International, and Kolkata-Aizawl. ATR bases at Mumbai International and Kolkata have also been closed down in anticipation of the type's eventual removal from service.

"Jet has to find someone willing to take the planes," the sources added.

The ch-aviation aircraft database shows Jet Airways' ATR fleet is leased from several firms including Aergo Capital, Injet Leasing, Bank of Scotland PLC, and DAE Capital.