Indian regional airline flybig plans to expand with up to 10 Twin Otter aircraft
New Indian regional airline flybig plans to acquire up to 10 De Havilland Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft.
Big Charter Private Limited, the owner of flybig, has signed a Letter of Intent with plans to work towards a purchase agreement to include five firm aircraft orders and options for another five.
Flybig commenced operations in January 2021. It aims to provide connections to remote communities and currently has a fleet of three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft.
The Twin Otter is a 19-passenger short take-off and landing aircraft with twin turboprop engines and can be fitted with floats or a fixed tricycle landing gear.
“De Havilland Canada's Twin Otter Series 400 is the right aircraft for our operations because of its proven record for safe, reliable operations and its versatility -- including the capability to land on land or water," said Captain Sanjay Mandavia, chairman and managing director of flybig in a statement on March 24, 2022.
Philippe Poutissou, vice president, sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada welcomed the deal: "It is always a source of pride when De Havilland Canada aircraft are selected by a new operator, and we welcome this opportunity to work with flybig to increase connectivity across India."
