IndiGo selects ATR 72-600 for ambitious plans to enter regional market

IndiGo and ATR signed (09-May-2017) a term sheet for the sale of 50 ATR 72-600 aircraft, with the flexibility to reduce the number of aircraft deliveries based on certain conditions. In a deal valued at over USD1.3 billion at list price, the aircraft are expected to begin operations by the end of 2017. The airline is currently preparing for an ambitious development of its regional footprint. IndiGo's plan coincides with the launch of the Indian Government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). India's rapidly expanding domestic market represented close to 100 million passengers in 2016, and has been steadily growing by more than 20% annually. It is expected to become the world's third largest market by 2020. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, 100 new airports will be created within the next two to three years, and airlines will receive financial support and other incentives to make air travel affordable. [more - original PR]