The story of FLY91 began as a vision long before the skies reopened post-pandemic — but it was only after COVID-19 that the idea truly took flight. Manoj Chacko, CEO & Managing Director of FLY91, shared the inspiration behind the brand’s journey:
“While everyone focused on narrow and wide-body aircraft, nobody was seriously considering turboprops and regional flying. India has over 1,500 aircraft on order, yet not one of them is a regional aircraft. We saw that gap as a sweet spot.”
Manoj Chacko, CEO & Managing Director
🚀 Launching from Goa – A New Chapter in Indian Aviation
Launched in March 2024, FLY91 chose Goa as its home base, strategically connecting underserved destinations. “Today, we operate across eight cities, run around 550 flights a month with three ATRs, and are about to induct our fourth aircraft,” Chacko added.
💼 A Strong Start with Smart Strategy
In just its first year, FLY91 operated over 3,500 flights, carrying 1.7 lakh passengers — a remarkable milestone for a regional carrier. Chacko attributes this success to the airline’s disciplined, data-driven approach.
“We’re not here for vanity. Our goal is to build a professional air transportation company — one that focuses on smart route selection and a strong distribution system.”
This distribution strategy has been a gamechanger. FLY91 ensures its fares and schedules are visible across OTAs, B2B platforms, and local travel agents. With a transparent commission structure and automated refund system, the airline has earned the trust of the travel trade.
“If your content isn’t visible, customers can’t find you. We worked hard to ensure accessibility — and now, the trade knows we’re a reliable airline,” Chacko said.
🌍 Connecting the Unconnected
What sets FLY91 apart is its unique network. Instead of focusing only on metro routes, the airline connects emerging cities like Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, and Lakshadweep — destinations with strong demand but limited access.
Chacko proudly shared that these routes have seen load factors of 70–90%, while popular sectors such as Goa–Pune and Goa–Hyderabad often achieve 95–100% occupancy.
“This clearly shows the strength of India’s regional travel demand,” he emphasized.
✈️ The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, FLY91 is charting an ambitious growth plan. In the next five years, the airline aims to induct 30 aircraft, operate from five strategic bases, and connect 50 cities across India.
With its Goa base, regional-first approach, and customer-focused business model, FLY91 is set to transform how India flies — making air travel accessible, affordable, and closer to home.
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