Regional carrier Japan Air Commuter has upsized an existing order for an ATR42-600 into an ATR72-600, meaning it will be the first of the larger type to operate in Japan.
The delivery of the new aircraft is expected before the end of this year, says the turboprop manufacturer, with the ATR 72-600 in a 70-seat configuration. The conversion of the order into the larger ATR aircraft is part of an existing order the Japanese airline had with the manufacturer for nine ATR 42-600s.
JAC, a regional subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL), introduced its first ATR 42-600 early last year and is currently operating four of them.
Over one third of Japan’s domestic routes are less than 300 nm long, meaning they are optimally suited for turboprops such as the ATR.
Hiroki Kato, president of JAC, said: “The ATR 42-600 has clearly represented an efficient choice in our operations and its cabin comfortability has been well received by passengers. We are very satisfied with the operational versatility and results of this aircraft. With the conversion of one of our current aircraft on order into an ATR 72-600 we will now benefit from the strong commonality of both models, while further decreasing the operating costs per seat of our fleet.
“We strongly believe that this aircraft, which brings flexibility and efficiency especially to trunk routes with many business and sightseeing passengers, will be very useful to serve regional communities. We also appreciate the understanding and the support we got from both national and local governments to introduce the ATR 72-600.”
Christian Scherer, ATR’s CEO, commented that the introduction of the aircraft into Japan “is an illustration of the suitability of the ATR aircraft family for developing and growing new commercial opportunities at the lowest costs. For over one year, JAC has benefited from the operational versatility and cost-efficiency of the ATR 42-600. The airline will now be able to respond even better to the increasing needs of regional connectivity across the country while remaining a reference of excellence in terms of passenger experience.”
JAC is based out of Kagoshima Airport and operates 15 aircraft servicing 18 routes, mostly between the Amami Islands and Western Japan.
