ATR, Bombardier and Embraer bullish on India growth

Plane makers pin hopes on regional connectivity scheme

Aircraft makers ATR, Bombardier and Embraer are bullish on growth in India with the rise in air travel in Tier II and III towns and the government’s thrust on regional connectivity.

These companies cater to the regional aviation market with their 48-110 seat aircraft. ATR has the largest presence in India with 35 aircraft in service with four scheduled airlines. Bombardier and Embraer have 15 and 3 aircraft in service, respectively, with a single operator each.

Demand is expected from both existing customers and new airlines as the civil aviation ministry proposes to link 350 unused airstrips in the country and as state governments  encourage airlines to fly to Tier II and III towns. Last year, domestic air traffic grew over 20 per cent and the government expects a new wave of growth to come from smaller towns.

Turboprops like the ATR-72 and Bombardier Q-400 are suited  for short low traffic routes, mid-size jets like the Embraer E-190 are designed for longer routes. The operating costs of a jet plane are higher than those of a turboprop.

“There will be some additional deliveries in India in the next months,” said an ATR spokesperson in an email. “India is a very promising market. ATRs are positioned to link small towns and feed hubs,” the spokesperson added. "Regional connectivity can open up routes that do not have non-stop flights. This will be a positive development for travellers in India," said Mark Dunnachie, vice-president, Asia-Pacific, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

Bombardier estimates it will deliver over 700 commercial aircraft to countries in South Asia, including India, till 2034. “We anticipate healthy growth of the Indian regional market as local governments develop new regional airports,” said Frank Baistrocchi, vice-president, sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

Regional airlines like Air Costa, Trujet and Air Pegasus have started operations in the last two years and Air Carnival and Flyeasy are awaiting clearances. Air India's regional arm Alliance Air plans to induct 10 ATR-72 aircraft on lease till next March. Trujet plans to increase its fleet size of three ATR-72s to eight by December.

Air Costa will add four Embraer E-190 aircraft to its fleet of three and SpiceJet, which operates 15 Bombardier Q-400 aircraft, will increase its services on regional routes.

“We are launching the Hyderabad-Kadapa flight today. Service between Vijayawada-Kadapa and Vijayawada-Tirupati will start in May with viability gap funding from the Andhra Pradesh government,” said Trujet Chairperson V Umesh.