By Rohit Vaid
New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS): Air India's wholly owned subsidiary Alliance Air will soon get a fleet of eight new state-of-the-art ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft from ATR of France.
"The decision has been taken and we have finalised plans of replacing our old ATR-42 aircraft which are 18-19 years old with new ATR 72 models," Rohit Nandan, chairman and managing director of Air India, told IANS.
"We are hopeful that the new aircraft will give us fuel advantage in the sectors where we operate them."
Initially five new ATR 72-600 aircraft will be inducted in the fleet followed by three more new ATR 72-600.
The advanced ATR was chosen after the national carrier scouted for a proper aircraft that can fly on its existing regional networks in the northeast, Agatti in the south, Kullu, Dharamshala, in the north, as well as to those other tier II and III cities where air connectivity is to be provided in the near future.
The aircraft was also preferred as Alliance Air has experience and capability in operating and maintaining this series of aircraft.
Currently, the airline is in talks with leasing companies for finalisation of the aircraft lease agreements, which will be valid for 10 to 12 years.
The ATR 72-600 is the latest state-of-the-art series of aircraft with advanced avionics and uses glass cockpit technology, which is used in bigger aircraft.
The aircraft takes advantage of the latest innovations in cockpit technology with simplified, integrated LCD advanced functions, enhancing safety and improved handling for pilots, in addition to maintenance cost savings and weight reduction.
New technological innovations are incorporated in the aircraft to further enhance the feeling of space, comfort and the pleasure of flying.
Fitted with PW 127M engines, the ATR 72-600 features enhanced performance on 'hot and high' conditions with the "boost" option.
Alliance Air is expected to press the new aircraft in the northeast and hill sectors. The passenger carrier is considered the 'aviation lifeline' to the northeast states with the largest flight schedule to and from the region.
The airline is also expected to benefit for other incentives like the low fuel tax on aircraft which is only four percent. The parking and landing charges are also pretty low for such regional aircraft at all the airports.
Currently, the company has four ATR 42-320 aircraft besides four Canadian Regional Jets (CRJ 700) in its fleet. It is a major feeder service provider to Air India at its Delhi-based Terminal-3 (T3) hub. The airline currently operates over 162 flights per week.
Induction of new ATR 72-600 aircraft fleet in Alliance Air will also provide a boost for the much needed regional air connectivity in the country.
Various state governments are also interested in offering subsidies and underwriting seats to improve air connectivity in their regions.