India’s civil aviation sector is dynamic. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world and features multiple companies that serve millions of passengers each year. While serving the passengers, companies deploy a variety of aircraft, from small regional planes to large international jets.
Some of the aircraft used in Indian civil aviation, their features, and which airlines operate them:
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Piper PA-34 Seneca
It is a twin-engine, light aircraft that took its first flight in 1971. Since then, it has spent over fifty years in the market, becoming the preferred choice for short business or leisure trips. The aircraft’s layout comfortably accommodates four to six passengers and provides moderate luggage space. The twin engines allow added safety and redundancy.
Its 200 HP engine can cruise at 180 knots (333 km/h) for a maximum distance of 820 nautical miles (1,519 kilometres). It can operate at a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet and has a maximum fuel capacity of 465 litres.
In India, this aircraft is used for training, where students learn the basics of flight operations and complete their mandated training requirements. This small aircraft is also available for charter, where you can rent it for a few hours for leisure, business, or any other lawful purpose.
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Cessna 172 Skyhawk
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is one of the most popular single-engine aircraft. It has been part of every pilot’s life, and with its consistent evolution, it has become a preferred choice for those willing to learn to operate an aircraft.
It has a seating capacity of four people and is generally used for training purposes only. It has advanced features, yet it remains simple to operate. It boasts Garmin G1000 avionics, which allows you to manage the aircraft quickly based on flight information gathered from scanning and processing. The aircraft’s range is 640 nautical miles (1185 kilometres), and it can operate at a maximum speed of 124 knots (229 km/h).
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Beechcraft Baron G58
The aircraft took its first flight in 1960. It is a twin-engine aircraft that offers optimal performance and comfort. It can seat six passengers and has various advanced features that help it fly.
The aircraft’s range is 650 nautical miles (1203 kilometres), and it can reach a maximum height of 20,668 feet. It can operate at a maximum speed of 200 knots (370 km/h) while ensuring maximum safety and comfort for the passengers. In India, this aircraft is owned by private operators and is often utilised by corporate entities or flying clubs for their respective usages.
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Pilatus PC-12
The Pilatus PC-12 is another aircraft used in India’s civil aviation sector. It took its first flight during the 1990s and has found its usage for different purposes. It is a single-engine turboprop aircraft that can be bought as a passenger or cargo aircraft.
The aircraft has a Pratt Whitney Canada PT6A-67P engine, allowing it to soar at 260 knots (428 km/h). Its brilliant speeds also have a significant range, allowing it to travel 1303 nautical miles (2414 kilometres) in a single flight while travelling at 30,000 feet.
The aircraft is famous for its modern design, precision engineering, and quality manufacturing processes, which allow it to yield high performances. It allows for economical travel and features reliability and versatility. In India, it is largely operated by private operators offering chartered services to customers.
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ATR 72
ATR stands for Aerei da Trasporto Regionale (Italian) or Avions de Transport Regional (French). It is a twin-engine turboprop developed by France. It took its first flight in 1988. Since then, it has been bought by multiple airlines worldwide, including Indian Airlines.
The main purpose of the aircraft’s design was to facilitate regional air travel. It can seat seventy-four-seven passengers and offers high fuel efficiency. The aircraft is also offered in cargo/freight versions, which allow for the cost-effective transport of cargo over short distances.
The aircraft is offered with two engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, Canada. It has a maximum range of 772 nautical miles (1429 kilometres) and can cruise at a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet. The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of 322 knots (596 km/h). In India, multiple airlines operate the aircraft over shorter routes or areas large aircraft cannot reach. Airlines such as Indigo, Alliance Air, and Truejet are prominent names that own this aircraft.
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Airbus A320neo
This aircraft is manufactured by the French manufacturer Airbus in Toulouse-Blagnac, France. In the plane’s name, ‘ neo‘ means ‘new engine option’. This aircraft was launched as an alternate and fuel-efficient version of their original A320. It was a lucrative offer for those airlines who were aiming for a reduction in costs and carbon emissions.
The aircraft took its first flight in 2014 and became a hit in the aerospace industry. It can seat 194 passengers at a time, travel 3400 nautical miles (6296 kilometres) in a single stretch, and fly at 453 knots (840 km/h) at 39,000 feet. In India, Indigo, Air India, and Vistara own and operate narrow-body aircraft. These airlines operate them across multiple cities, offering passengers the utmost comfort while ensuring that airlines don’t burn a hole in their pockets.
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Boeing 737 Max
The American aircraft manufacturer announced the aircraft in August 2011. It became operational in January 2016. Since its launch, it has become another popular option in the single-aisle market.
The aircraft was manufactured to offer advanced technology while providing fuel efficiency. The American company has aimed to reduce fuel usage and the noise emitted by aircraft. The aircraft has multiple seating configurations, with the maximum configuration allowing two hundred thirty seats. The aircraft’s range is 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 kilometres) while cruising at 41,000 feet. It can also reach 453 knots (840 km/h) while cruising at high altitudes.
Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express operate the aircraft across the country and on international routes.
