South Koreas newest regional carrier, SUM Air, has committed to purchasing four ATR 72-600 turboprops, with options for four more, to bolster connectivity in underserved areas. Deliveries start in 2028, supporting the airlines expansion after launching operations last month.
Founded in 2022, SUM Air secured its Air Operator Certificate on March 10, 2026, and began scheduled flights on March 12, inaugurating the Gimpo-Sacheon route on March 31. The carrier already operates one leased ATR 72-600 from Avation. This order aligns with its strategy to link remote regions, including island airports like Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Heuksando, plus short-haul international paths to Japan and China.
The deal was finalized during the France-South Korea Bilateral Economic Forum in Seoul, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. SUM Air CEO Yongduck Choi emphasized building a hub-and-spoke network for reliable regional service. ATR Executive Chair Nathalie Tarnaud Laude highlighted the aircrafts short-runway capabilities and fuel efficiency, ideal for sustainable operations to islands inaccessible by jets.
ATR views South Korea as a prime market, projecting 25-30 ATR 72s in service soon, driven by the turboprops fit for the nations geography.