At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, IndiaOne Air announced a landmark move that could redefine regional connectivity in India: the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 10 De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 300-G aircraft. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in the airline’s mission to connect India’s underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with reliable, efficient air travel.
About IndiaOne Air
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IndiaOne Air is a regional airline with a clear mission: to bridge the connectivity gap between India’s metropolitan hubs and its heartlands. The airline commenced operations in August 2022, becoming the first scheduled airline in India to operate single-engine aircraft.
Key Highlights:
- Current Fleet:
IndiaOne Air operates Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft, known for their reliability and efficiency on short-haul routes. Each aircraft offers a premium experience with seat pitch exceeding that of most business-class cabins. - Safety & Technology:
IndiaOne Air is the only airline in its category to equip aircraft with black-box (CVDR) and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, ensuring compliance with GAGAN for all-weather operations. - Network:
The airline currently serves destinations across Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, including Bhubaneswar, Jeypore, Raipur, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. - Vision & Mission:
IndiaOne Air aims to democratize air travel, promote local tourism, and support economic growth by connecting remote regions. Its tagline, “New Wings of Bharat,” reflects its commitment to inclusive aviation.
Why Twin Otter 300-G?
The Twin Otter 300-G is a modern evolution of the legendary Twin Otter platform, renowned for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, rugged reliability, and adaptability to challenging environments. These features make it ideal for India’s diverse terrain and smaller airstrips, enabling IndiaOne Air to serve destinations that have historically lacked air connectivity.
With advanced avionics, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort, the 300-G aligns perfectly with IndiaOne Air’s vision of “connecting the unconnected”. This fleet expansion will strengthen the airline’s ability to deliver essential air services under the Government of India’s UDAN scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible for all.
Leadership Speaks
Wing Commander Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air, emphasised the strategic importance of this acquisition:
“The Twin Otter 300-G’s performance and versatility align perfectly with our mission of connecting the unconnected. This partnership with De Havilland Canada brings us closer to making air travel accessible to every corner of India.”
Promoters Shaishav Shah and Himanshu Shah echoed this sentiment, highlighting the airline’s role in supporting the Government’s vision of equitable air access through UDAN.
What This Means for Regional Aviation
IndiaOne Air’s expansion with the Twin Otter 300-G is more than a fleet upgrade—it’s a game-changer for regional connectivity. By unlocking access to smaller airports and remote destinations, the airline is paving the way for:
- Economic development in India’s interiors.
- Tourism growth in culturally rich but isolated regions.
- Social inclusion, giving communities faster access to healthcare, education, and markets.
IndiaOne Air vs Other Regional Carriers: What Sets It Apart?
India’s regional aviation market is witnessing a resurgence under the UDAN scheme, with carriers like FlyBig, Star Air, and Alliance Air competing to connect underserved cities. Here’s how IndiaOne Air’s strategy compares:
1. Fleet Strategy
- IndiaOne Air:
Focuses on small, versatile aircraft like the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and now the Twin Otter 300-G, enabling operations from short runways and remote airstrips. This approach ensures maximum reach into India’s heartlands. - FlyBig & Star Air:
Operate larger turboprops and regional jets (ATR 72, Embraer ERJ), which require longer runways and higher passenger loads to remain profitable. - Alliance Air:
As Air India’s regional arm, Alliance Air uses ATR aircraft, focusing on government-backed routes under UDAN but with less flexibility for ultra-remote destinations.
2. Operational Model
- IndiaOne Air:
India’s first scheduled single-engine operator, prioritising low-cost, high-frequency connectivity for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Its lean model reduces operating costs and allows sustainable service on thin routes. - FlyBig & Star Air:
Target profitable regional corridors with moderate demand, often avoiding ultra-low-density routes due to higher operating costs. - Alliance Air:
Relies heavily on government subsidies and legacy infrastructure, making it less agile compared to newer entrants.
3. Market Positioning
- IndiaOne Air:
Positions itself as “New Wings of Bharat”, focusing on inclusive aviation and community upliftment. Its expansion with Twin Otter 300-G reinforces its commitment to connect the unconnected. - FlyBig & Star Air:
Market themselves as affordable alternatives for regional travellers but lack the deep penetration into remote geographies that IndiaOne Air aims for. - Alliance Air:
Leverages its Air India heritage, appealing to passengers seeking reliability, but struggles with modernisation and cost efficiency.
Looking Ahead
With this milestone, IndiaOne Air is poised to become a leading regional carrier, setting benchmarks for safety, reliability, and customer experience. As the airline continues to grow, its focus remains clear: making India fly from the inside out.
