Embraer Fuelling India’s Regional Aviation Boom

India’s regional aviation sector is experiencing a surge in demand as more people choose air travel as their preferred mode of transportation. Capitalising on this growing market, Star Air, a regional airline in India, has recently introduced a new Embraer E175LR aircraft to its fleet. With an all-Embraer fleet, Star Air has leased four E175s and these aircraft will boost the airline’s existing fleet of five ERJ 145s, providing the airline greater flexibility and efficiency as it grows its network and provide cost-effective solutions to passengers on regional routes.

INDUCTION OF EMBRAER E175LR AIRCRAFT

Star Air, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, has made a significant addition to its fleet by acquiring a new Embraer E175LR aircraft, making history as the first Indian operator of this particular jet model. Since its establishment in 2019, Star Air has steadily built an all-Embraer fleet comprising seven aircraft, with four E145s and three E175LRs. The airline plans to utilise the new aircraft to expand its reach, providing cost-effective travel solutions on regional routes.

The Embraer E175LR, a long-range variant of the E175 narrow-body jet, can comfortably accommodate up to 88 passengers in a single-class configuration. Boasting a range of 4,074 km and a maximum takeoff weight of 38.6 tonnes, the E175LR offers a spacious cabin with large windows, ergonomic seating, and ample overhead bin space for standard carry-on luggage. Advanced avionics, fly-bywire technology, and winglets that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions are among the aircraft’s notable features.

With a strong emphasis on cost-effectiveness, the Embraer E175LR aircraft offers several advantages to Star Air. Its fuel efficiency, advanced avionics, and optimised performance make it a suitable choice for operating on short to medium-haul routes. The aircraft’s ability to land and take off from high-altitude airports, which are prevalent in India, further strengthens its suitability for the country’s regional connectivity needs.

In addition to its commitment to regional connectivity, Star Air prioritises passenger comfort and satisfaction. The spacious cabin of the Embraer E175LR, coupled with its ergonomic seating and large windows, ensures a pleasant flying experience. Passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey with ample legroom and the convenience of overhead storage for their belongings. The airline also focuses on maintaining high levels of safety and adhering to all regulatory guidelines.

SUCCESSFUL PROVING FLIGHT AND COMMERCIAL LAUNCH

Star Air’s unwavering commitment to advancing regional connectivity was clearly evident as they successfully conducted the first proving flight with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for their new Embraer E175LR aircraft on May 11, 2023 to ensure a seamless transition of the aircraft into its fleet. This groundbreaking test flight demonstrated the airline’s unwavering dedication to safety standards and regulatory compliance, paving the way for the subsequent launch of these cutting-edge aircraft.

Star Air becomes the first Indian operator of the Embraer E175LR aircraft, showcasing its commitment to innovation and regional connectivity

Following this successful demonstration of compliance with safety standards and regulations, the airline triumphantly operated its first commercial flight on May 13, 2023 with Star Air’s dual-class E175 flying from Bengaluru-Hyderabad-Jamnagar-Bengaluru. Star Air plans to connect Bengaluru with Hyderabad, Jamnagar, Belagavi, Indore, and Tirupati using the new aircraft. The inaugural flight of the new Embraer E175 was a moment of triumph for the airline that further solidified their commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. The event witnessed a wave of excitement among passengers, aviation enthusiasts, and industry experts, all eager to experience firsthand the unmatched comfort and efficiency that these aircraft bring to regional travel. The CEO of Star Air expressed their enthusiasm about the new Embraer aircraft induction, stating, “We are proud to introduce the new Embraer aircraft to our fleet. These state-of-the-art planes not only provide exceptional comfort to our passengers but also contribute to our commitment to cost-effective regional travel. With the Embraer fleet, we aim to revolutionise regional connectivity in India and make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone.”

HAVING AN ALL-EMBRAER FLEET

In a gamechanging move aimed at bolstering regional connectivity in India, Star Air’s strategic decision to maintain an all-Embraer fleet sets it apart from competitors in terms of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Sanjay Ghodawat, the Chairman of Star Air’s parent company, Ghodawat Enterprises Pvt Ltd (GEPL), emphasised on the suitability of Embraer aircraft for regional connectivity in India. Ghodawat highlights their low operating costs, high reliability, and superior performance, stating that they are well-suited to Indian conditions, including high temperatures and high-altitude airports. One of the most significant advantages of Embraer aircraft is their cost-effectiveness, making them an ideal choice for regional routes. The efficient fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs of these aircraft result in substantial savings for Star Air, enabling the airline to offer competitive fares to its passengers. By providing cost-effective solutions, Star Air aims to make regional travel more accessible and affordable, stimulating greater mobility and fostering economic growth in the regions they serve. Furthermore, Star Air recognises the importance of technology and digitalisation in the aviation industry. The airline invests in advanced systems and processes to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall passenger experience. By leveraging technology, Star Air aims to offer seamless booking, check-in, and in-flight services, ensuring a hassle-free journey for its customers.

SHAPING INDIA’S REGIONAL TRAVEL

India’s regional connectivity sector is experiencing rapid growth as more individuals opt for air travel. Star Air actively participates in the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, a government initiative aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible to all citizens by subsidising flights to underserved and unserved airports. Presently, Star Air operates 43 flights per day to 13 destinations under the UDAN scheme and intends to expand its routes in the future. Star Air’s plans for the future encompass route expansion, fleet augmentation, and the introduction of new services to cater to the increasing demand for regional travel. By continuously innovating and adapting to changing market dynamics, Star Air aims to solidify its position as the preferred regional airline, contributing to the growth and development of the regions it serves.

With a vision to provide costeffective solutions for passengers traveling on regional routes, Star Air’s goal of doubling its passenger volume in 2023, Star Air’s induction of new planes and expansion of all Embraer aircraft fleet marks a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plans. Star Air’s vision aligns perfectly with the government’s focus on expanding regional connectivity and highlights their dedication to shaping the future of travel in India. Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air, shares the airline’s ambitious goals for the future. With the induction of the new Embraer E175LR aircraft, Star Air aims to enhance its regional connectivity by expanding its route network and increasing flight frequencies. The airline is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable air travel options to passengers, particularly in underserved areas.

The Embraer E175LR offers cost-effective solutions with its fuel efficiency, advanced avionics, and optimized performance, making it ideal for short to medium-haul routes

Despite the opportunities presented by India’s regional aviation sector, Star Air faces challenges and competition from other airlines vying for a share in the growing market. For this, maintaining operational efficiency and managing costs effectively are critical in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the airline. To overcome these challenges and capitalise on the market potential, Star Air is continuously innovating, provide unique offerings to attract and retain passengers and has adopted a customercentric approach. The airline focuses on delivering exceptional service, punctuality, and reliability to its passengers. By constantly evaluating customer feedback and addressing their needs, Star Air aims to build strong brand loyalty and establish itself as a preferred choice for regional air travel in India.

As Star Air continues to expand its fleet and network, the airline remains committed to its core values of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Star Air’s induction of new Embraer aircraft marks a significant milestone in India’s regional connectivity landscape and unlocking the untapped potential of tier-2 and tier-3 cities. With its unique position as the first Indian operator of the Embraer E175LR aircraft, Star Air is well-positioned to make significant contributions to India’s regional connectivity landscape. Through its innovative approach, operational excellence, and dedication to passenger-centric services, Star Air is poised to soar to new heights in the dynamic and competitive Indian aviation sector.