Japan Air Commuter, the JAL Group’s regional subsidiary, will add two more ATR 72-600 turboprops to its fleet, with entry into service planned for February 2027. The expansion lifts its ATR 72-600 fleet to four aircraft and supports operations on routes serving remote Japanese islands.
One of the aircraft will be financed with government subsidies and support from Kagoshima Prefecture, underlining local backing for the network. JAL linked the fleet addition to JAC’s long-term ability to maintain air links to isolated communities. The ATR 72-600s are expected to replace some of the operating burden of regional jets on short-haul routes, with the turboprop type offering around 45% lower fuel burn and about 45% lower CO2 emissions in the same class. The aircraft will have 70 seats.