Founded in 2022, the carrier plans to operate domestic routes as well as short-haul international routes to nearby destinations such as Japan and China within two hours of flight time.
SUM means "island" in Korean, and the carrier plans to connect cities and islands, including Ulleung, Heuksan, and Baengnyeong, once their airports open.
The company said its first aircraft completed livery painting at an aircraft facility in Toulouse, France, last week and will undergo safety and airworthiness verification before departing Toulouse on Dec. 31.
The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Gimpo International Airport on Jan. 2 via a ferry flight, which is operated without passengers or cargo, with stops at Ankara Esenboga International Airport in Türkiye, Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan, and Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport in China.
The ATR 72-600, the latest model from ATR, is being introduced by SUM Air for the first time in Korea. Equipped with turboprop engines, it is designed to operate safely under challenging runway conditions, especially at regional airports around the world. Since its launch, the aircraft has recorded no cases of engine damage or shutdown caused by bird strikes.
Its high-wing design also allows passengers to enjoy expansive ground views and is expected to enhance safety and punctuality in a domestic aviation market where the average aircraft age exceeds 10 years.
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