South Korea’s newest regional airline, SUM Air, has placed a firm order for four ATR 72-600 turboprops with purchase rights for four additional units, deliveries starting in 2028. The agreement was signed on April 3, 2026, during the France-Korea bilateral economic forum in Seoul, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.
SUM Air, established in November 2022 as the country’s first dedicated regional carrier, obtained its Air Carrier License in February 2025. It began ad-hoc operations on the Seoul Gimpo-Sacheon route from March 12, 2026, and launched scheduled services on March 30 using a leased ATR 72-600 from Singapore-based lessor Avation on a 12-year lease. This aircraft, one of ten ordered by Avation in 2024, marks Avation’s first placement in South Korea.
The order aligns with 2024 regulatory updates by the Korean government, which raised the maximum seat capacity for small aircraft operations from 50 to 80 seats, enabling ATR 72-600 deployment under the framework. SUM Air holds the first license under this revised scheme. Planned routes include remote islands like Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Heuksando, plus potential Japan services once Ulleungdo Airport completes.
ATR forecasts 25 to 30 ATR 72 aircraft operating in South Korea over the coming years, citing the type’s suitability for the nation’s geography. Prior reports indicated SUM Air planned at least three ATR 72-600s, though integration with this order remains unclear. Leasing additional capacity before 2028 deliveries is possible.