India’s Alliance Air signs for two ATR 42 aircraft for Himalayan operations

Indian regional airline Alliance Air has signed a deal for two ATR 42-600 aircraft to serve airfields in the Himalayas.  

The transaction is via lessor TrueNoord, manufacturer ATR said in a statement released at the Singapore Airshow on February 15, 2022. Deliveries of the turboprops will commence in mid-2022.  

“The fact that we will deliver the aircraft by the middle of this year is testament both to the recovery of the Indian domestic market and the essential need for affordable and reliable connectivity throughout the country,” ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli said in the statement.  

Government-owned Alliance Air already operates 18 of the larger ATR 72-600 model. ATR said Alliance Air had chosen the smaller version, with 50 seats, because it can operate on the short runways of Shimla (SLV) and Kullu (KUU) airports, which are both at high altitude.  

“Thanks to the unique features of the ATR 42-600, Alliance Air will proudly fulfill the mission assigned by the Indian government to make the most inaccessible regions accessible,” commented Vineet Sood, chief executive officer of Alliance Air. 

ATR highlighted that the high commonality between the ATR 72 and 42 will help the airline introduce the new aircraft type to its fleet. Alliance Air will continue to use ATR’s pay-by-the-hour maintenance program.  

The aircraft will be the third and fourth ATR42 for TrueNoord. The lessor bought two ATR 42-600 aircraft in December 2021 for lease to US regional carrier Silver Airways.