SUM Air, South Korea’s newest regional airline, placed a firm order for four ATR 72-600 aircraft, with options for four more. Deliveries are set to begin in 2028.
The agreement was signed during the France-South Korea Bilateral Economic Forum in Seoul, attended by the President of the French Republic. SUM Air, founded in 2022, launched commercial operations in March 2026 using a leased ATR 72-600 from Avation. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate on March 10, 2026, and started its first scheduled route between Gimpo and Sacheon on March 31.
SUM Air plans to serve underserved regions in South Korea, including future island airports, and short-haul routes to Japan and China. Yongduck Choi, president and CEO of SUM Air, stated that the ATR 72-600 will support a hub-and-spoke network connecting destinations such as Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Heuksando.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, executive chair of ATR, noted the aircraft’s short runway performance and fuel efficiency suit regional connectivity needs. ATR views South Korea as a high-potential market, estimating a future fleet of 25 to 30 ATR 72s there.