Taipei: Turboprop aircraft, designed for short-haul flights, will complement and further refine South Korea's public transportation system by enabling services to areas currently out of reach by trains or large airplanes, including small and remote islands, senior officials of European aircraft manufacturer ATR said.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Alexis Vidal, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of ATR, noted that the company sees long-term potential for 25 to 30 ATR aircraft operating in South Korea. These aircraft could primarily serve short domestic and international routes, as well as newly developed island airports, including an upcoming airport on South Korea's eastern island of Ulleung.
"South Korea is an important country for us," Vidal stated during an interview in Taipei, coinciding with an aircraft supply contract signing ceremony between ATR and Taiwan's Uni Air. Regional airlines typically operate shorter routes between smaller cities or remote areas using smaller aircraft, playing a vital role in connecting communities where rail or larger jets are impractical.
Vidal emphasized the role of ATR in enhancing Korea's transportation network, particularly for east-to-west routes, island connectivity, and short international routes to Japan or northern China. Founded in 1981 as a joint venture between France's Airbus and Italy's Leonardo, ATR specializes in regional aircraft powered by turboprop engines and is the global leader in this segment.
Turboprop aircraft are particularly fuel-efficient at lower speeds and altitudes, making them ideal for short-distance flights. As part of its expansion efforts, ATR is collaborating with Sum Air Co., a new South Korean regional airline, which plans to deploy ATR 72-600 turboprops to connect remote islands and regional cities, including Ulleung Island.
If an ATR 72-600 were to fly from Gimpo, located in western Seoul, to Ulleung Island, about 340 kilometers east of the capital, it would take approximately 55 minutes. Vidal expressed confidence in Sum Air's potential to reintroduce regional air connectivity to underserved areas.
ATR has already made significant inroads in the Asia-Pacific region, with numerous aircraft operating in countries like Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The company has a growing freighter business driven by rising e-commerce demand and currently holds a backlog of more than 180 aircraft, with nearly half of recent orders coming from the Asia-Pacific region.
While ATR is in active discussions with South Korea's aviation and transport authorities, Vidal refrained from providing specifics. "We don't just sell aircraft. We work to understand the needs of ministries, municipalities and regulators," he said, highlighting the importance of demonstrating the reliability of turboprops in challenging conditions.
ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude emphasized that turboprops are meant to complement, not compete with, Korea's high-speed rail system. "When a train exists, it should be taken," she said. "But in more remote areas, turboprops are more cost-efficient and offer stronger sustainability credentials."
Vidal anticipates showcasing ATR's aircraft in South Korea as Sum Air's first delivery approaches, likely within the next six months, offering an opportunity for people to understand the benefits of turboprop technology.