SUM Air Launches Regional Flights in South Korea with ATR 72-600 Fleet

This article is based on an official press release from ATR Aircraft.

A new era of regional aviation has officially taken flight in South Korea. On March 30, 2026, newly formed carrier SUM Air commenced its commercial operations, aiming to bridge the connectivity gap for underserved communities and island destinations across the region. According to an official release from aircraft manufacturers ATR, the airline’s launch represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to restore mobility to areas often bypassed by major carriers and larger jet aircraft.

Operating a fleet of latest-generation ATR 72-600 turboprops, SUM Air is positioning itself as a dedicated regional air mobility provider. The airline’s strategy focuses on utilizing right-sized aircraft to make historically unviable routes profitable, while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint of domestic and short-haul international travel.

The inaugural flights mark a significant milestone not just for the airline, but for the broader South Korean aviation market, which is increasingly looking toward specialized regional carriers to serve emerging island airports and secondary cities.

The Journey to Certification and Launch

The path to SUM Air’s first commercial flight has been in development for over three years. Founded in November 2022, the company was established with a clear vision: to offer flights to future island airports, underserved domestic regions, and eventually neighboring countries such as Japan and China.

According to the ATR press release, the airline achieved its first major regulatory milestone in February 2025, when it obtained its Air Carrier License (ACL). This critical step allowed the company to accelerate its operational preparations, which included recruiting experienced aviation personnel, conducting extensive crew training, and establishing rigorous safety procedures.

Following a series of trial flights and the introduction of the ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet, SUM Air recently secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This final regulatory approval confirmed that the airline meets the highest safety and operational standards required for commercial passenger service.

Inaugural Routes and Future Expansion

SUM Air officially launched its regular operations with service on the Gimpo–Sacheon route. This initial connection provides essential air service to a region that has historically lacked convenient and consistent aviation connectivity.

However, the airline’s ambitions extend far beyond its initial domestic footprint. Future expansion plans include international routes to Japan and new continental connections. Domestically, SUM Air plans to launch services to Ulleungdo Island once the construction of its new airport is completed, a destination that will rely heavily on the short-field capabilities of turboprop aircraft.

The Role of the ATR 72-600 in Regional Mobility

Central to SUM Air’s business model is the ATR 72-600, a turboprop aircraft specifically designed for the demands of regional aviation. The aircraft’s performance characteristics make it uniquely suited for the airline’s planned network, particularly its ability to access infrastructure that is off-limits to larger commercial-aircraft.

“Designed to operate from shorter runways and smaller airports, our turboprop aircraft makes it possible to serve future island airports in Korea…” stated ATR in their official release.

Beyond operational flexibility, the ATR 72-600 offers substantial economic and environmental benefits. ATR notes that the aircraft enables profitable operations on routes that would not generate enough passenger demand to sustain larger jets. Furthermore, the manufacturer states that the ATR turboprop burns 45 percent less fuel and emits 45 percent less carbon dioxide per trip when compared to similar-size regional jets. This efficiency makes it a powerful tool for low-emission regional connectivity.

AirPro News analysis

The launch of SUM Air highlights a critical shift in the Asia-Pacific aviation landscape: the growing recognition that regional connectivity requires specialized equipment. South Korea’s geography, characterized by mountainous terrain and numerous islands, presents unique logistical challenges. The development of new island airports, such as the highly anticipated facility on Ulleungdo Island, is predicated on the use of aircraft with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.

By building its fleet around the ATR 72-600, SUM Air is avoiding the common pitfall of utilizing oversized aircraft for thin routes. This right-sizing approach not only ensures better unit economics but also aligns with global aviation’s push toward sustainability. If successful, SUM Air’s model could serve as a blueprint for other emerging regional carriers in Asia-Pacific looking to connect secondary and tertiary markets without the heavy capital and operational costs associated with regional jets.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did SUM Air launch its first commercial flight?

SUM Air commenced its regular commercial operations on March 30, 2026, following the receipt of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

What aircraft does SUM Air operate?

The airline operates the ATR 72-600, a latest-generation turboprop aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate from short runways.

What are SUM Air’s initial and future routes?

The airline’s inaugural route connects Gimpo and Sacheon. Future plans include domestic flights to Ulleungdo Island (upon airport completion) and international services to Japan and China.

Sources

• ATR Aircraft