India looks to smaller planes in regional push
Indian carriers are in talks with ATR, Bombardier and Embraer to buy smaller planes to fly to the country's second and third tier cities ahead of a govt drive to get more of the country connected by air. Air India plans to add 40 new aircraft to its domestic fleet by the end of 2017, of which 13 will be smaller turboprop planes for regional connections. Chairman Ashwani Lohani said the airline would launch "a major foray" in to flying to smaller cities this year. SpiceJet is also talking to small aircraft makers to add to its fleet of 14 Bombardier Q400s, as it expands the number of shorter routes it flies. India's govt in October outlined plans to boost regional aviation connectivity by forcing airlines to fly to smaller cities and reopening many of the country's 350 disused airstrips as "no-frills" airports. <br/>
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India looks to smaller planes in regional push
Indian carriers are in talks with ATR, Bombardier and Embraer to buy smaller planes to fly to the country's second and third tier cities ahead of a govt drive to get more of the country connected by air. Air India plans to add 40 new aircraft to its domestic fleet by the end of 2017, of which 13 will be smaller turboprop planes for regional connections. Chairman Ashwani Lohani said the airline would launch "a major foray" in to flying to smaller cities this year. SpiceJet is also talking to small aircraft makers to add to its fleet of 14 Bombardier Q400s, as it expands the number of shorter routes it flies. India's govt in October outlined plans to boost regional aviation connectivity by forcing airlines to fly to smaller cities and reopening many of the country's 350 disused airstrips as "no-frills" airports. <br/>
