Alliance Air (India) (9I, Delhi International) took delivery of its first Indian-made Do228-200 on April 6, 2022, with VT-KNP (msn 4130) having arrived at Delhi International from the Hindustan Aeronautics assembly line at Kanpur Chakeri. Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows the Indian carrier subsequently began deploying the turboprop on various proving routes on April 8.
The aircraft is the first of two Hindustan Aeronautics-built and -owned Do-228-200s that Alliance Air is planning to induct to improve its ability to serve thinner routes under the government-funded Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). In a clear sign of the aircraft's target market, VT-KNP is adorned with UDAN-themed stickers on its fuselage. It can seat up to 17 passengers, which is significantly less than Alliance Air's only other aircraft type, the ATR72-600, which seats up to 70 passengers.
Alliance Air is also in the process of adding two ATR42-600s.
The airline was a subsidiary of Air India (AI, Delhi International) but was not subject to the same privatisation process. As such, it is now a standalone state-owned carrier, although it is also earmarked for sale. It operates under its own code but in commercial cooperation and under Air India's branding.
