India's flybig signs LOI for 5+5 Twin Otter-400s

Switzerland's Zimex Aviation orders two DHC-6-300-Gs

Zimex Aviation (XM, Zurich) has ordered two DHC-6-300-Gs directly from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and will become the type's launch customer.

"The Twin Otter aircraft has been the cornerstone of our operations for over four decades, and we are delighted to welcome the new Classic 300-G into our fleet. As the first operator of this exceptional aircraft series with EASA approval, we take immense pride in it, which also highlights our capabilities as a De Havilland-Endorsed Service Centre," Chief Executive Daniele Cereghetti said.

The parties did not disclose any expected delivery timeline.

The DHC-6-300-G is the fifth generation of the Twin Otter model. While based on the -300 variant, it will feature updated avionics with additional range and payload. De Havilland plans to build the variant alongside the DHC-6-400. India's flybig (FLG, Indore) was the first airline to announce their choice of the -300-G variant but only signed a Letter of Intent for ten units and not a firm order.

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India's flybig signs for 2+10 DHC-6s

flybig (FLG, Indore) has placed a firm order with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC, Toronto Downsview) for two DHC-6-400s and signed a Letter of Intent for another up to ten newly announced DHC-6-300-G aircraft during the ongoing 2023 Paris Air Show.

"Twin Otters are the perfect aircraft for India's UDAN regional airport development program, part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for improving underserviced air routes and connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities. Our two -400 aircraft will help realise our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to connect India's hinterland, and we are looking forward to working with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada on potential future acquisitions of the new Classic 300-Gs," Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Mandavia said. "With the addition of this new aircraft the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300-G, looking ahead we are excited to announce our plans for further expansion of our services now to North India by offering connectivity to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Our plans include adding Dehra Dun,...

India's flybig secures strategic investment

flybig (FLG, Indore) has secured a strategic investment from Royal Bengal Holding Inc, a recently established company using a suburban bungalow in Florida as its registered address. The size and nature of the investment, as well as its terms and conditions, remain undisclosed.

"This strategic investment will be a significant boost to the network expansion of flybig,"said the Indian regional carrier's chairman, Saanjay Mandavia, in a statement. "With Royal Bengal Holding Inc's support, we will be able to expand our operations and provide even more connectivity to underserved areas of the country."

According to US company records, Royal Bengal Holding Inc registered as a for-profit entity in December 2022 , with a private residence in Coral Springs, Florida, used as the registered address. Its sole director is Sanjay Singh, who is also listed as a director of seven other companies, including Royal Bengal Logistics Inc., and North America Aerospace LLC.

"We believe flybig has tremendous potential in the Indian aviation market, especially with its focus on the regional operations," said Singh in a statement...

India's flybig eyes green Twin Otter -400s

flybig (FLG, Indore) has signed an agreement with UK-based MONTE Aircraft Leasing Limited for financing and leasing solutions for converting its fleet to zero-emission propulsion technologies.

In addition, MONTE will lease two DHC-6-400s to flybig to be deployed on India's government-subsidised UDAN regional connectivity scheme routes in the northern Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the parties announced in a statement.

The regional specialist earlier this year signed a letter of intent with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC, Toronto Downsview) for five firm orders of DHC-6-400s with options for five more for use on its thinnest routes operated under the UDAN scheme. It was also reportedly expanding its ATR fleet to ten undisclosed units by March 2023.

Zero-emission propulsion technologies to be explored with MONTE include electric, hybrid, and hydrogen propulsion. "MONTE will not only assist flybig to identify the most suitable zero-emission propulsion technology for their operations but will also offer financing for the conversion of its fleet once this technology is approved and certified," explained...