Flybig Halts Operations as Lessors Retrieve Aircraft Amid Technical Challenges

Indian regional carrier flybig has temporarily suspended operations as lessors move to repossess their aircraft, citing technical challenges and supply chain issues. The airline, which commenced operations three years ago, focused on connecting second-tier Indian cities, primarily serving routes under the government’s UDAN regional aviation improvement scheme.

flybig was operating a fleet comprising one ATR72-500, two ATR72-600s, and two DHC-6-400s. The decision to suspend flights came after the airline returned the ATR72-500 to Avation in October, citing mutual agreement due to technical issues.

Gokul Indani, Chief Financial Officer of flybig, emphasized that the airline’s current situation resulted from the decision to surrender the ATR aircraft due to technical challenges. He explained that global spare parts shortages had adversely affected operational efficiency, leading to increased costs and delays. Indani assured customers that flybig is actively seeking alternative solutions to address these challenges and is committed to a swift resolution.

“We want to assure our loyal customers that we are actively pursuing alternative solutions to address these issues and hope to resume our operations at the earliest. We are committed to finding a fast resolution and will share updates on our progress soon,” stated a flybig spokesman.

However, several media outlets have reported that lessors have initiated the repossession of the remaining aircraft. According to ch-aviation fleets advanced data, both ATR72-600s are leased from VMAN Aero Services, which confirmed the repossession due to contractual defaults. Additionally, the two DHC-6-400s are being reclaimed by the lessors.

flybig, which operated to 11 domestic destinations, including Agartala, Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, and more, aims to resume services in January 2024. The airline is actively working to resolve its operational challenges and remains committed to providing updates on its progress. Stay tuned for further developments on flybig’s efforts to overcome the current setbacks.