By Staff Correspondent
In a significant development for regional air connectivity in India, FLY91, a pure-play regional airline headquartered in Goa, has announced a strategic partnership with Paytm, India’s leading digital payments and financial services platform. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in FLY91’s long-term vision of becoming a digital-first airline by leveraging innovative technology to enhance customer experience. The partnership not only underscores FLY91’s commitment to seamless digital integration but also aligns with Paytm’s mission to simplify and revolutionize travel booking for millions of Indians.
The integration of FLY91’s ticketing inventory into Paytm’s travel platform will allow passengers to book flights conveniently, further strengthening Paytm’s position as a one-stop destination for travel solutions. This initiative is particularly significant for travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where FLY91 focuses its operations. By providing greater access to air travel in underserved and unserved regions, the collaboration seeks to empower “Bharat,” a term that reflects India’s smaller towns and rural areas.
FLY91, based at the Manohar International Airport (MIA) in Mopa, Goa, operates flights connecting destinations such as Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, and Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands to major cities like Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa. The airline’s Managing Director and CEO, Manoj Chacko, stated that this partnership with Paytm will help meet the growing demand for regional air travel in India. He emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the airline’s vision of delivering reliable and comfortable air connectivity to regions that have historically lacked sufficient transportation infrastructure.
Paytm Travel’s CEO, Vikash Jalan, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the platform’s focus on offering convenient and affordable travel booking solutions. With FLY91 onboard, Paytm aims to simplify the process of booking regional flights, particularly during peak travel seasons. This integration will enable travellers to plan their journeys with ease, ensuring seamless connectivity to remote destinations at competitive prices.
FLY91’s ambitious growth strategy further underscores the importance of this partnership. The airline plans to expand its reach to over 50 cities across India within the next five years, supported by a fleet of 30 ATR 72-600 aircraft. Known for their efficiency, safety, and sustainability, these aircraft are well-suited for regional operations. By focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, FLY91 seeks to bridge the connectivity gap in India’s aviation sector, fostering economic growth and accessibility in smaller towns.
This partnership also highlights Paytm’s commitment to enhancing its travel offerings. As a pioneer in India’s digital payments revolution, Paytm has consistently introduced technologies aimed at simplifying financial transactions and enabling commerce for small businesses. Its collaboration with FLY91 aligns with its broader mission to integrate more Indians into the mainstream economy through technology.
The partnership between FLY91 and Paytm represents a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s regional aviation landscape. By combining FLY91’s focus on regional connectivity with Paytm’s expertise in digital solutions, the collaboration promises to transform the way passengers access and book flights in India. This initiative not only strengthens FLY91’s digital-first approach but also reinforces Paytm’s position as a leader in travel and financial services. Together, the two companies aim to empower Bharat by making air travel more accessible, affordable, and convenient, thereby contributing to the growth and development of India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
