India’s regional aviation sector is poised for significant expansion as European aircraft manufacturer ATR sets its sights on deploying hundreds of turboprops in the country over the next decade. The company, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, has projected demand for 300 new ATR aircraft, a move that aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity and expand its aviation infrastructure.
With over 160 operational airports and plans to commission 50 more within the next five years, India is fast becoming one of the most attractive markets for regional aircraft. The government’s ambitious regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, continues to stimulate demand for cost-efficient aircraft to serve smaller cities and towns, especially on short-haul routes. In this context, ATR’s fuel-efficient, 78-seat turboprops are emerging as the aircraft of choice for many domestic carriers.
Speaking during a recent visit to New Delhi, ATR’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director said the company remains “very bullish” on India. Discussions are currently underway with both scheduled and non-scheduled operators, including existing ATR customers, to expand their turboprop fleets. The official confirmed that these conversations reflect growing confidence in the Indian market’s potential for robust, sustained growth in regional aviation.Currently, 70 ATR aircraft operate in India, with major airlines such as IndiGo, Alliance Air, and the newly launched FLY91 relying on them to service high-frequency, low-density routes. These aircraft not only offer low operational costs but also ensure minimal environmental impact compared to conventional jet engines, making them ideal for India’s decarbonisation goals in aviation.
Beyond aircraft sales, ATR is exploring deeper engagements in India, including collaborations with educational institutions for skill-building and future workforce development. There is also interest in localising elements of production or maintenance, should demand volumes justify such investments. Industry observers note that any move towards indigenous capability would significantly enhance India’s position as an aviation hub in Asia.ATR’s broader strategic intent aligns with India’s aspiration to become a global aviation powerhouse by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated a vision of increasing the number of Indian airports to 400 by that time, underlining the scale of opportunity for aircraft makers and associated stakeholders.
Despite concerns over potential tariff fluctuations and pricing volatility in international markets, ATR maintains that its aircraft offer the lowest operating costs among regional airliners globally. This is a critical consideration for Indian airlines operating on thin margins and serving under-penetrated markets where affordability is key.As air travel in tier-2 and tier-3 cities becomes increasingly accessible, and with domestic passenger traffic expected to triple in the coming decades, the relevance of turboprops like ATR’s will continue to grow. Their ability to support decentralised growth, lower carbon emissions, and reach remote geographies makes them a strategic fit for India’s aviation future.
If realised, ATR’s projected deployment could not only reshape the country’s regional aviation landscape but also help bridge the connectivity gap that still exists across many parts of India. For a country that sees mobility as a lever for equitable development, hundreds of new turboprops could well be the engines of inclusive growth.
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