5 Lesser-Known Short-Haul Aircrafts Used by Operators in India

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · Published August 12, 2025 · Updated August 13, 2025

Uncovering the unsung heroes of regional aviation in India; five short-haul aircrafts, from Embraer ERJ E175 jets to DHC-6 Twin Otter, that are connecting India’s remote corners.

If you think India’s commercial aviation landscape is all about Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family, be ready for surprises. The story of domestic aviation in the country is a bit more diverse and fascinating than its mainliner fleets. Some of you may have flied or noticed short-haul turboprops that are operated by Indian companies. This includes the popular ATR 42/ 72, operated by IndiGo, Alliance Air and Fly91. Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) operated by SpiceJet follows suit in the list.

However, this article is about the lesser-known, smaller aircrafts that are currently deployed by domestic airline companies for passenger transport. These are unsung heroes, as they connect remote and challenging locations. They present a convincing case that airlines don’t need a large, fancy fleet of jets to build a strong air network in the country.

Here are the five lesser-known, small, short-haul aircrafts that are currently operated for commercial aviation in India.

1. Embraer ERJ E175

Embraer ERJ E175 Star Air India — *Embraer ERJ E175 aircraft operated by Star Air*

Operated by Star Air, this twin-engined jet typically seats about 78 passengers, including 12 business class occupants. A popular variant of Embraer’s E-Jet family, the aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency, low noise and cabin comfort, advanced technology and safety. It is powered by GE CF34-8E engines.

2. Embraer ERJ E145

Star Air Embraer ERJ E145 aircraft — *Embraer ERJ E145 regional jet*

Also part of the E-Jet family, the Embraer E145LR can seat 50 passengers and offer a flying range of 2,873 km. The aircraft is powered by two rear-fuselage-mounted Rolls-Royce AE3007A1P turbofan engines. Star Air operates 5 of this aircraft at present. The airlines is perhaps the only operator in India to deploy smaller jets other than ATR and Bombardier mentioned above.

3. DHC-6 Twin Otter

FlyBig DHC-6 Twin Otter — *de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter regional aircraft*

Three of this STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircrafts are operated by Flybig under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme of the Union government. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines, the aircraft is known for its higher rate of climb and flying capabilities.

4. Cessna Caravan 208B

Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft IndiaOne Air — *Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft operated by IndiaOne Air*

Ahmedabad-based IndiaOne Air is perhaps the first and only scheduled airline to operate a single-engine Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft in the country. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A turboprop mill, offering a flying range of about 1,980 km. IndiaOne Air’s fleet consists of two 11-seater ‘Grand Caravan’ variants of the aircraft.

5. HAL-Dornier 228

*Alliance Air operated HAL-Dornier 228 aircraft (Image Credit: AirHistory.net/ Arjun Sarup)*

Government of India-owned Alliance Air has leased two 17-seater Dornier 228 aircrafts from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for regional air service under the UDAN scheme since 2022. The airlines also takes pride in being the only airline to operate commercial flights in the country using India-made aircraft. The aircrafts were previously used by IAF, and were later modified for commercial passenger services. The STOL airplane features a pair of Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines.