India's flybig ends ATR72-500 operations

India's flybig focuses on Twin Otters, to add more

flybig (FLG, Indore) is focusing on DHC-6-400s operations after all of its ATR - Avions de Transport Régional were returned to lessors. The Indian regional specialist said it would add three more Twin Otters in the first half of December.

"This milestone signifies a crucial phase in our endeavour to further lessen the physical distances across Bharat [India]. The infusion of more aircraft is beyond mere growth; it is a testament to our dedication to bridge distances. Our mission extends beyond mere convenience in air travel; flybig is progressively transforming regional connectivity, one city at a time," chief executive Sanjay Mandavia proclaimed.

The airline said that the three new Twin Otters would arrive in the second half of December but did not reveal their identities. The spokesperson told ch-aviation only that they would arrive from lessors in Mauritius and Japan. flybig said it would use the aircraft for "operations in Bathinda, Hindon, Ludhiana, and, in addition, bi-weekly services extending to Dehra Dun".

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India's flybig suspends flights as lessors repo planes

Lessors are moving to reclaim their aircraft from flybig (FLG, Indore) after the regional carrier suspended its flights earlier this month. The airline only began operations three years ago and concentrated on connecting second-tier Indian cities, serving routes secured through the Indian government's UDAN regional aviation improvement scheme.

flybig was operating one ATR72-500, two ATR72-600s, and two DHC-6-400s. In October, the airline returned the ATR72-500 (VT-FBA (msn 955)) to Avation by mutual agreement' having not used it for revenue flights since late August. flybig told Indian news outlets that the flight suspensions have occurred because their remaining aircraft went out of service for maintenance purposes.

“flybig would like to emphasize that current events are a result of our decision to surrender the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional aircraft due to the aircraft’s technical issues,” flybig Chief Financial Officer Gokul Indani told the Hindu Business Line. He added that supply chain issues and difficulties securing spare parts had affected the fleet's operational efficiency, caused cancellations, and added to costs.

"The...

Editorial Comment: Updates with flybig's statement and clarifies Twin Otter ownership - 29.11.2023 - 20:16 UTC

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,...