Indian Airlines has revived plans to acquire a fleet of six ATR 42 turboprops with the issuing of a fresh global tender as it seeks to capitalise on the fall in aircraft lease rates following the US terrorist attacks.
During its previous search for offers, the Indian domestic airline is understood to have received offers of leases at around $110,000 per month which the airline deemed unviable. It is now expecting more competitive offers.
The 48-seaters will fly routes in the eastern and northern regions of the country, freeing up Boeing 737s to operate more lucrative sectors.
Source: Flight International
