The first Indian airline, IndiGo, has confirmed it is in talks with aircraft manufacturers ATR and Embraer about a future regional aircraft program. The move is not just about replacing its existing ATR 72 turboprops but also about filling a gap in its fleet between these smaller planes and its larger Airbus A320 family. This would help IndiGo achieve its goal of turning Delhi into a key international transfer hub, similar to those found in the Gulf region. IndiGo's chief executive, Willie Walsh, mentioned during a recent event in London that the airline is in discussions with both ATR and Embraer about ordering new aircraft for its domestic routes. According to Bloomberg, the airline is considering whether these new planes will complement or replace its current ATR 72 aircraft. This follows earlier reports that IndiGo was looking into purchasing several dozen Embraer E2 planes. However, the details remain unclear: the number of aircraft, the timeline, and the exact model are still under discussion. As of March 31, 2026, IndiGo had 46 ATR aircraft in its total fleet of 441, according to its financial report. The airline mainly uses Airbus A320neo and A321neo planes, with one A321XLR already in service and three A321 cargo conversions. The ATR 72-600 is used for regional routes, allowing the airline to operate in smaller airports or markets where demand is not yet high enough for larger planes. These turboprop planes are efficient for short distances and airports with limited infrastructure. The decision is not just about replacing older planes but also about choosing the best tool for the airline's future growth. As air traffic in India increases and airport slots become more valuable, the airline needs to decide which aircraft will best serve its domestic routes. Choosing between ATR and Embraer involves different operational strategies: the ATR 72-600 is more suited for short, low-density routes, while the Embraer E2 could handle routes with more demand than the ATR but less than the Airbus A320neo. Introducing Embraer planes would allow IndiGo to offer more seats on certain domestic routes without using larger aircraft. This could be especially useful in busy airports like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, where maximizing seat capacity per flight is both economically and strategically advantageous. However, adding a new type of aircraft would also bring added complexity, including new training, maintenance, and parts supply chains. IndiGo has built its success on a highly standardized fleet around the Airbus A320 family, so it must weigh the potential benefits against these added challenges. The regional fleet discussions are part of a larger plan to make Delhi a major international transfer hub. Walsh has stated that with the number of aircraft IndiGo has and the 60 Airbus A350s it will receive, the airline will explore new international markets. IndiGo has already started using its first A321XLR on routes to Athens and Istanbul and expects to receive 60 A350-900s for long-haul flights. Updating its regional fleet would help improve the profitability of its domestic services and support the growth of its future international network.