Taipei: European turboprop aircraft maker ATR has signed a significant contract with Taiwan-based Uni Air for the supply of 19 new ATR 72-600 aircraft, while also expressing intentions to expand into South Korea's aviation market. A signing ceremony in Taipei marked Uni Air's commitment to modernize and expand its domestic fleet, focusing on operations to Taiwan's offshore islands.
According to Yonhap News Agency, ATR is a joint venture between France's Airbus and Italy's Leonardo, with headquarters in Toulouse, France. The company specializes in turboprop aircraft, which are powered by propellers linked to turbine engines, making them ideal for short-distance flights. The ATR 72-600, the world's best-selling turboprop aircraft, has sold over 1,900 units to 200 airlines globally.
Uni Air, a regional airline subsidiary of Eva Air, operates approximately 60 percent of Taiwan's domestic air routes and plays a crucial role in connecting major cities with remote island communities. Regional airlines typically service shorter routes between smaller cities or remote areas using smaller aircraft, differing from full-service or low-cost carriers that focus on major airports and high-traffic routes.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO at ATR, highlighted the importance of Uni Air's operations, stating, "Uni Air makes a meaningful difference for the communities it serves, providing them with the frequency, reliability, and connectivity they need. We are delighted to renew our strategic partnership, supporting Uni Air with its expansion plans."
In addition to the Taiwan deal, ATR officials have shown strong interest in South Korea's short-haul regional aviation market. Alexis Vidal, senior vice president and chief commercial officer at ATR, indicated to Yonhap News Agency that South Korea presents a promising market for regional turboprop operations.
Vidal expressed excitement about the potential for ATR 72-600s to enhance connectivity in South Korea, particularly between the east and west, islands with new airports, and even short-haul international passenger transport. He mentioned that ATR is actively engaging with South Korean stakeholders, including airlines, regulators, and government ministries, though details of these discussions remain undisclosed.
Addressing potential challenges in entering the Korean market, Vidal emphasized the goal of complementing existing infrastructure. He stated, "I don't know if it's a challenge, but it's about complementing the current ground infrastructure and larger narrow-body aircraft, and showing that a 72-seat-capacity ATR aircraft with the right economics is the best adaptive platform for transporting passengers."
Vidal also projected that demand in South Korea could support up to 30 ATR aircraft, with operations anticipated to begin in 2026 with South Korean regional startup airline Sum Air Co. ATR currently maintains a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 100 aircraft in Indonesia, more than 70 in India, and expanding fleets in Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
The company has an order backlog of more than 180 aircraft, with nearly half of recent orders coming from Asia-Pacific operators.