By Staff Correspondent
In a significant advancement for regional air travel, FLY91, India’s emerging regional airline, has announced the addition of two new direct routes connecting Solapur with Mumbai and Goa. This strategic expansion elevates FLY91’s network to a total of nine destinations, underscoring its commitment to enhancing air connectivity across tier two and tier three cities in India. The airline, which commenced operations on March 24, is poised to revolutionize travel for both business and leisure passengers in Maharashtra and beyond.
The new routes not only establish a vital link between Solapur—a burgeoning textile and industrial hub—and Mumbai, the country’s commercial capital but also facilitate access to Goa, a prominent tourist destination. By providing direct flights to these key locations, FLY91 is expected to bolster trade and tourism, thereby contributing to the economic development of Solapur and its surrounding districts. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for enhancing regional connectivity, as well as the Union Aviation Ministry’s UDAN scheme, which aims to improve air travel accessibility in underserved areas.
FLY91’s Managing Director and CEO, Manoj Chacko, emphasized the significance of these new routes, stating, “FLY91 will be the only airline providing direct connectivity between Mumbai, the country’s commercial capital, and Solapur, renowned as a textile hub, a major centre of industry, and a pilgrimage hub.” This unique positioning not only enhances travel options for residents of Solapur but also opens up new avenues for economic engagement and tourism.
The commencement of flights on these routes, scheduled to begin on December 23, is anticipated to provide a reliable, safe, and expedient mode of transportation. This operational efficiency is crucial for fostering increased trade interactions and tourism activities, as well as for facilitating last-mile connectivity for travellers in and around Solapur. The introduction of air travel to this region is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time that residents of Solapur and its neighbouring districts will have direct access to air services, thus eliminating the need for long and arduous land journeys.
FLY91, headquartered at Manohar International Airport in Goa, currently connects several regional centers, including Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Pune, and Agatti in Lakshadweep, in addition to the newly added routes. The airline’s strategic focus on enhancing connectivity in Maharashtra reflects its broader vision of serving more than 50 cities across India within the next five years. This ambitious plan entails the induction of 30 aircraft into its fleet, utilizing the ATR 72-600 model, which is recognized for its safety, efficiency, and sustainability in regional operations.
FLY91’s expansion into Solapur represents a pivotal moment in the landscape of regional air travel in India. By bridging the gap between major urban centers and smaller towns, FLY91 is not only enhancing connectivity but also fostering economic growth and tourism in regions that have long been underserved by air transport. As the airline continues to grow and innovate, it stands as a testament to the potential of regional aviation to transform local economies and improve accessibility for millions of travellers across the country.
