Gurugram-based flybig to acquire 10 Twin Otter Series planes

Hyderabad: In order to serve small and remote communities that are not accessible by air, Gurugram-based flybig, promoted by Big Charter Pvt Ltd, signed a letter of intent (LoI) to acquire up to ten De Havilland Canada Twin Otter series 400 aircraft that has a proven track record of safe, dependable operations, as well as versatility, which includes the ability to land on land or water.

The LoI was signed by flybig CMD Captain Sanjay Mandavia and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Director Sales – Asia Pacific Yogesh Garg.

They both exchanged the LoI at their stall in Wings India 2022 in Hyderabad on Thursday. Sanjay Mandavia said: "It is a strategic and necessary acquisition. It will be a valuable asset for flybig in its quest to provide last-mile connectivity to hinterlands of India."

"This landmark acquisition will provide competitive thrust and open a niche travel segment in the Indian aviation industry as it can also be used over water to promote tourism. The De Havilland Twin Series Otter 400 aircraft has the potential to provide last-mile connectivity to our country's inaccessible geographical destinations," he added.

The company is India's newest scheduled commuter airline, with commercial flights to destinations in the North-East, South, and Central India. It is a UDAN Scheme beneficiary. The UDAN Scheme's mandate is to provide one crore people with low-cost air tickets each year and to connect more than 300 cities across the country via air routes.

The airline is at the forefront of establishing flight routes in areas that are inaccessible by other modes of conventional transportation. Our vision is to allow ordinary citizens of our country to fly under the UDAN-Scheme. "We are connecting the underserved destinations that currently rely on inefficient modes of transportation," said Philippe Poutissou, VP- Sales and Marketing, De Havilland Canada.

"The Twin Otter Series 400 has earned a solid reputation for performance and versatility and is ideal for providing air connectivity in India's hinterland. The aircraft has proven its capabilities for executive and private travel as well as commercial operations in some of the most challenging geographical terrains," the company said in a statement

"The aircraft is a 19-seater that will meet a wide range of needs in India's ever-expanding aviation market, opening up access to new commuter as well as coastal and island-hopping routes. It has proven its worth in commuter travel around the world, as well as island hopping," said Yogesh Garg, Director, Sales – Asia Pacific, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.