SUM Air, South Koreas newest regional airline, has ordered four ATR 72-600 aircraft with options for four more, ATR announced on April 3, 2026. Deliveries will begin in 2028.
The deal came during French President Emmanuel Macrons state visit to Seoul, where he met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. SUM Air signed the agreement amid talks to elevate bilateral ties to a global strategic partnership.
Though newly launched, SUM Air already operates one ATR 72-600 on lease from Singapore-based Avation. It became the first carrier licensed under Koreas updated 2024 regulations, which raised the seat limit for small aircraft operations from 50 to 80 seats. This change enables the 72-seat ATR 72-600 for domestic regional routes.
ATR views the Korean market as promising, forecasting demand for 25 to 30 ATR 72-600s in coming years. The order supports SUM Airs push for sustainable regional connectivity.