ATR's Vision for India: Tripling Regional Aviation and Connecting Tier 2 & 3 Cities

ATR’s Ambitious Plans for India’s Regional Aviation

In a recent exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, ATR’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Alexis Vidal unveiled an ambitious vision for the future of regional aviation in India. This vision not only promises to transform air travel within the country but also presents exciting opportunities for travelers and travel platforms like ixigo.

Key Highlights from the Interview

1. Potential for 200 New ATR Aircraft: Vidal sees the potential for an additional 200 ATR aircraft in India over the next decade. This significant increase would more than triple the current fleet of 67 operational ATRs in the country.

2. Focus on Regional Connectivity: ATR aims to connect communities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, aligning with India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for regional airport development.

3. Market Share Growth: The regional market has the potential to double its market share compared to ground-based transportation in India.

4. Tripling of Regional Air Passenger Traffic: ATR expects regional air passenger traffic to triple in the next few years, indicating a robust growth in demand for these routes.

Why This Matters for Travelers and ixigo Users

1. Increased Connectivity: More ATR aircraft means better connectivity to smaller cities and towns, opening up new destinations for travelers.

2. Affordable Travel Options: Regional flights often provide more economical alternatives to long-distance ground transportation, potentially making travel more accessible and affordable.

3. Boost to Tourism: Improved connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can boost tourism in lesser-known destinations, offering new experiences for adventurous travelers.

4. More Booking Options on ixigo: As regional aviation expands, platforms like ixigo are likely to see an increase in flight options, especially for routes connecting smaller cities.

5. Support for UDAN Scheme: This expansion aligns with the government’s UDAN scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, benefiting both travelers and the aviation industry.

Current ATR Operations in India

ATR currently holds a 7.5% market share in India with 67 operational aircraft and 4 more on order by IndiGo. These aircraft are primarily used by airlines like IndiGo, Alliance Air, and the upcoming Fly91 for regional routes and UDAN airport connections.

Looking Ahead

The potential addition of 200 ATR aircraft over the next decade signals a significant shift in India’s aviation landscape. For ixigo users and travel enthusiasts, this means more options, better connectivity, and potentially more competitive prices for regional travel.

As these plans unfold, keep an eye on ixigo for new route options and exciting travel opportunities to explore India’s diverse regions. The future of regional air travel in India looks promising, and it’s an exciting time for both frequent flyers and those looking to explore the country’s hidden gems.