Korea Gets Its First Regional Carrier
Sum Air is positioning itself as South Korea’s first airline dedicated to underserved and remote regions. The startup carrier has ordered eight ATR 72-600 turboprops, becoming the first operator of the ATR family in Korea and opening a new chapter in the country’s domestic aviation market.
Filling a Gap in Korean Aviation
South Korea’s aviation market is dominated by two major carriers – Korean Air and Asiana Airlines (now merging) – plus low-cost subsidiaries Jin Air, Air Busan, and T’way. These carriers focus on trunk routes between major cities and international destinations.
What’s been missing is regional connectivity. Smaller Korean islands, remote airports, and low-density routes have limited or no air service. Residents depend on ferries or long ground transportation to connect with the broader network.
Sum Air aims to change that by offering turboprop service to destinations that can’t support jet operations.
Why the ATR 72-600
The ATR 72-600 is purpose-built for the kind of flying Sum Air envisions:
- Short-field capability: Can operate from smaller airports with limited runway lengths
- Fuel efficiency: Turboprops burn less fuel than jets on short segments
- Right-sized capacity: 70-seat configuration matches thin route demand
- Proven reliability: ATR turboprops operate worldwide in similar markets
With eight aircraft on order, Sum Air will have enough capacity to serve multiple routes while maintaining operational flexibility.
Target Markets
Sum Air has identified several underserved markets:
Island communities: Korea has numerous populated islands, including Ulleungdo and smaller communities in the Yellow Sea. Ferry service can be weather-dependent and time-consuming.
Remote mainland airports: Some regional airports see limited or seasonal service from major carriers.
Secondary city pairs: Direct flights between smaller cities can save travelers from routing through congested Seoul airports.
Challenges Ahead
Launching a new airline is never easy. Sum Air faces several hurdles:
Regulatory approval: Korean aviation authorities must certify the carrier for scheduled operations.
Airport access: Smaller airports may need infrastructure improvements to support regular service.
Brand building: Passengers must be convinced to choose a new carrier over established alternatives.
Economics: Thin routes are challenging to operate profitably without subsidies or creative scheduling.
Regional Aviation Potential
If Sum Air succeeds, it could inspire similar developments elsewhere in Asia. Many countries have underserved domestic markets that could benefit from dedicated regional carriers.
The ATR turboprop, widely successful in Europe, North America, and other markets, has limited Asian presence. Sum Air’s experience could open the region for greater ATR adoption.
The Bottom Line
Sum Air represents an interesting experiment in Korean aviation. By focusing on routes the majors won’t serve, the startup could carve out a valuable niche.
For communities currently dependent on ferries or long drives, the prospect of air service – even on turboprops – represents significant quality-of-life improvement.
Watch for Sum Air’s operational launch in 2026. Korea’s aviation map may be about to get more interesting.
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