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SEOUL — South Korean carrier SUM Air (XU) has placed a firm order for eight ATR-72-600 aircraft, with options for four additional units. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
The agreement was signed during the French President’s visit to South Korea, on the sidelines of the France–Korea Bilateral Economic Forum held in Seoul.
“The ATR 72-600, optimized for short-haul operations, will play a pivotal role in enabling SUM Air to deliver air services that connect islands and regions across Korea,” said Yongduck Choi, Chief Executive Officer of SUM Air.
According to the airline’s CEO, the new aircraft will operate to various island airports, including Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Heuksando.
SUM Air
SUM Air is South Korea’s newest airline. The carrier received its Air Operator Certificate on March 10, 2026, and began operations with a leased ATR 72-600 from Avation. XU aims to improve regional connectivity by offering flights to various islands, remote cities, and other underserved routes.
South Korea is one of the most important markets for ATR, the manufacturer says, as the country boasts a significant number of inhabited islands, supporting strong demand for regional travel in the future. ATR estimates that the country will have a fleet of 25 to 30 ATR 72 aircraft in the coming years.
Featured image: ATR
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