Star Air (India) (S5, Belgaum) has deployed the first of four E175LRs into revenue service, with VT-GSI (msn 17000782) debuting on the Bengaluru International - Hyderabad International - Jamnagar route on May 13. CEO Singh Tiwana says the successful induction of the aircraft type sets a new standard for regional travel in India.
Star Air, which is owned by the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, is a regional airline set up in 2019. To date, it has operated E145 stock, namely one EMB-145LI and four EMB-145LRs. Last year, Star Air signed agreements to lease the four E170s, acquired on leases from Nordic Aviation Capital. Star Air says the type will address the need for more capacity, improve the passenger experience, expand its regional network, and connect to more places across India.
VT-GSI was ferried into Bangalore in February. Since then, a second E170 has arrived. The ch-aviation fleets module identifies this aircraft as VT-CSJ (msn 17000852). "We are connecting slightly longer routes which are the best connected by air. That’s one edge we have over turboprop aircraft," Tiwana told India's LiveMint outlet. "Although costs are higher (for ATR), passenger comfort will be better and reliability is higher."
Until May 23, the E175LR will operate the the Bangalore International - Hyderabad International - Jamnagar - Bangalore International triangle three times a week before then going daily. In addition to Bangalore, Star Air also has a base at Begaum. From both bases, the airline flies to Ahmedabad, Kishangarh, Indore, Jodhpur, Kalaburagi, Mumbai International, Surat, Tirupati, Jamnagar, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Bhuj, Bidar, and Kolhapur. Star Air also advises it is commencing services from Bangalore and Begaum Airports to Jaipur this week.
