Sum Air aims flights to Japan and China

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA       Image : Sum Air

Sum Air, a newly established regional airline in South Korea, has recently ordered eight ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft, including four firm orders and four options, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.

Sum Air is established in 2022 and receives its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on 10 March 2026. The company aims to provide reliable, responsible, and affordable air transportation services to the least developed areas of South Korea, as well as short-haul routes to neighboring countries such as Japan and China.

On 30 March 2026, Sum Air officially commences operations, launching a scheduled flight between Gimpo and Sacheon using a leased ATR72-600 aircraft.

Sum Air plans to lease two more ATR aircraft in 2026 and aims to have up to 25 turboprop aircraft by the end of this decade.

To develop domestic regional air connectivity, the South Korean government revised regulations related to regional air services in 2024, increasing the maximum seating capacity allowed for small aircraft operating licenses from 50 to 80 seats. This allowed the 72-seat ATR72-600 aircraft to operate under these regulations. Sum Air is the first airline to obtain an operating license under the revised regulations.