ATR and Alliance Air, the only Indian public airline, have signed a deal to acquire two ATR 42-600 via lessor TrueNoord. These new aircraft will support Alliance Air’s mission of serving challenging airfields in the Himalayas. The first deliveries to Alliance Air will start mid 2022.
The former regional subsidiary of Air India, which already operates 18 ATR 72-600, has chosen to complement its fleet with brand new ATR 42s as their unique credentials, both in terms of versatility and economics, make it the perfect aircraft to serve even the least accessible regions of India. The aircraft will be able to operate on the short runways of the Shimla and Kullu airports, both located at high altitudes, and exposed to high temperatures.
Alliance Air is wholly owned by the Government of India through AI Asset Holding Ltd., and is run as an independent Strategic Business Unit. It has an existing fleet of 18 ATR 72-600 and is in process of expanding its fleet by inducting two more ATR 42-600 to cater to airports with landing restrictions. Alliance Air operates 125+ flights/day to 50+ destinations within India with focus on connecting Tier II & III cities.