NEW AIRLINE - Danfe Airlines (Nepal) plans to launch domestic operations by October 2026, initially with three aircraft flying out of Pokhara.

 The three-year fleet plan includes 10 aircraft — seven ATR 72-600s and three Jetstream aircraft.

FLEET - PNG Air phases out DHC-8-100 fleet

PNG Air has discontinued Dash 8 operations, with the last two DHC-8-100s completing their final commercial flights at the end of June. The retirement of these aircraft means the airline will now operate exclusively with ATR aircraft.
A third Dash 8 configured for cargo, P2-MCG (MSN 006), remains in Port Moresby. CEO Brian Fraser stated that all three aircraft have been sold and will continue to fly with other airlines.
PNG's current fleet consists of ten ATR72-600s and three ATR42-600s.

Photo: PNG

DOMESTIC AIRLINES / ATR72-600 - F-WWEB

 

NEW AIRLINE - JCAS Airways delays launch to 2027

 

JCAS Airways (Osaka Kansai) has postponed its planned launch from autumn 2026 to 2027 after completing what it described as a comprehensive review of its preparations in terms of safety and operational frameworks, the start-up said in a notice published on June 19, 2026.

The airline apologised to customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders for the delay and said it would announce a more specific launch timeline once preparations are further advanced.

JCAS Airways said it aimed to provide services "with complete confidence" when operations begin.

The start-up airline had already deferred its planned debut from 2021 to 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and later postponed its launch from the first half of 2026 to the second half of the year after production delays affected its first ATR72-600.

JCAS Airways has not taken any aircraft yet, but it signed a 12-year lease for one ATR72-600 from Singapore-based lessor Avation in 2024. The carrier plans to operate services from Osaka Kansai to Toyama and Yonago. It has not disclosed whether the revised launch schedule will affect those plans.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Cape Verde: LACV Secures $6 Million Sovereign Guarantee for Two Leased ATR 72- 600s

The Government of Cape Verde has authorized sovereign guarantees worth $6 million (€5.2 million) for state-owned carrier Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde (LACV), covering the lease of two aircraft for inter-island services.

Newsaero

SPECIAL STICKER - AIR CORSICA / F-HXKE / ATR72-600 - "Paoli 2025"

Ton Jochems - NCE
 

FLEET - AZORRA DELIVERS FIRST ATR 72-600 TO LOGANAIR

Azorra has delivered the first of two ATR 72-600 aircraft to Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, marking a new customer relationship and further strengthening Azorra’s footprint across the UK and Europe.

The twin-engine turboprop aircraft will support Loganair’s diverse network, improving connectivity for underserved communities throughout the UK.

John Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Azorra, says: “Loganair is a highly respected regional airline and an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of partners. The ATR 72-600 is a proven platform, delivering the efficiency and flexibility required to support Loganair’s operations. This delivery marks another important milestone in Azorra’s global expansion, and we look forward to building a long-term partnership with the Loganair team while supporting its evolving fleet requirements.”

Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair, says: “These ATR 72-600 aircraft provide valuable flexibility as we evolve our network and meet demand across our markets. We are pleased to partner with Azorra and appreciate the team’s collaborative approach throughout the transaction.”

 

FLEET - Cambodia Airways Expands Fleet with ATR Turboprops

Cambodia Airways received the first of two ATR 72-600 aircraft in early June, marking the entry of the turboprop model into its fleet. 

The incorporation of the ATR 72-600 is part of the company's strategy to expand its offering of short-haul flights to neighboring countries. The model will be used on regional routes
 

FLEET - Fly91 targets up to 12 aircraft by late 1Q27

Fly91 (IC, Goa Dabolim) plans to up to double its fleet from six ATR72-600s to between 10 and 12 aircraft by the first quarter of 2027, managing director and chief executive Manoj Chacko told The Hindu Business Line newspaper.

The additional aircraft would enable Fly91 to expand capacity from its operating bases at Goa Mopa and Hyderabad International.

Chacko described the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprop as a highly suitable aircraft type amid volatile fuel prices, citing its fuel efficiency. Operating a single aircraft type has also allowed the airline to maintain a "simpler operation".

"The industry continues to grapple with elevated fuel costs. However, our ATR operations allow us to maintain a fuel-to-revenue ratio of 20-22%, compared with 38-40% for operators using jet aircraft," he said.

The chief executive previously told ch-aviation that the carrier aimed to grow its fleet to 30 aircraft by 2030. Estimating that more than half of India is "turboprop country", he said the airline is focused on launching services to destinations that competitors cannot serve with narrowbodies.

Fly91 plans to add flights to Tirupati, Mangalore Bajpe, Indore, and yet-to-open Bhogapuram airport from its existing bases by the first quarter of 2027. It also intends to add flights to Mumbai International but has faced challenges securing slots for its planned Malvan service.

The start-up airline, which raised USD25 million before commencing operations in March 2024, achieved profitability in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, Chacko noted that financial performance had weakened in the following quarter.

"The induction of capacity in [the first quarter of 2026] dragged profitability lower due to higher expenses," he said.

The carrier operates largely independently, with minimal reliance on viability gap funding (VGF) under the Indian government's UDAN regional connectivity programme. Chacko added that demand remains strong for regional operators and expects growth to continue in the coming quarters.
CH Aviation / Photo: Fly91

FLEET - BESTFLY ARUBA / ATR72-600 / P4-BFA

 Pierre Pm

 

FLEET - Clic (Colombia) announced the arrival of a new ATR72-600, which brings the total number of aircraft the company has received this year to three.

Berjaya Air Takes Delivery of World’s First Aircraft in ATR HighLine Configuration

Malaysian airline welcomes its first ATR 72-600 featuring All Business Class cabin

Kuala Lumpur – The world’s first ATR 72-600 featuring the ATR HighLine “All-Business Class” configuration touched down in Kuala Lumpur, marking a major milestone for regional aviation. ATR’s new cabin concept received certification from both EASA and the Malaysian authorities earlier this month, confirming its readiness for commercial operations worldwide.

The delivery represents a dual first for Berjaya Air; the airline’s inaugural ATR 72-600 and the launch platform for ATR’s new premium cabin collection. It also heralds a new era in regional travel, combining semi-private flying comfort with the proven efficiency of turboprop operations.

The aircraft features a fully bespoke, all–business class cabin, accommodating 26 seats in a spacious and unique 1-by-1 layout, ensuring every guest benefits from direct aisle access and direct view to multiple windows. The handcrafted ETEREA seats by Geven – the widest ever installed on the ATR platform – offer generous living space and a refined personal side console with integrated stowage.

One of the cabin’s most distinctive elements is the executive‑style ceiling, where overhead bins have been replaced by sleek valence panels. This design opens up the cabin, floods the interior with natural light, and creates a volume comparable to that of the world’s largest private aircraft – all on board the most fuel-efficient regional aircraft.

 

Berjaya Air will begin operating the aircraft in the coming days, launching its first flight on a new route between Subang and Koh Samui. It will then roll out its “affordable luxury” experience on its newly expanded regional network, with direct connections throughout Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and a focus on serving Berjaya Group’s portfolio of hotels and resorts. Travellers will benefit from a seamless experience that offer a high touch of hospitality to island destinations such as Redang and Langkawi. The new aircraft in ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration will also be available for charter operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Group CEO of Berjaya Property Berhald, said: “Taking delivery of the world’s first ATR 72-600 in ATR HighLine configuration marks an important step in Berjaya Air’s transformation journey. This new cabin experience enables us to offer guests a seamless and refined journey to some of the region’s most sought-after destinations, while maintaining our strong commitment to operational efficiency and service excellence. Whether serving resort destinations or charter operations across the region, the ATR HighLine cabin allows us to deliver an end-to-end premium travel experience that reflects Berjaya’s hospitality heritage and long-term vision.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude added: “This milestone demonstrates how the ATR family continues to evolve to meet new market expectations. The ATR HighLine cabin collection opens new possibilities for operators seeking exceptional onboard comfort while leveraging all the efficiency and operational benefits of the aircraft. Together with Berjaya Air, we are demonstrating the inherent versatility of the ATR platform, capable of adapting to a wide range of operator needs without compromising its core strengths.”

Berjaya Air will take delivery of a second factory-new ATR 72-600 in the same “All-Business Class” configuration in the third quarter of this year.

NEW LIVERY -Berjaya Air presents new livery

The world’s first ATR 72-600 with 26-seat Business Class HighLine Cabin introduces a new level of comfort and style.
Berjaya Airlines

FLEET - BRA sells, leases back two ATR72-600s

BRA - Braathens Regional Airlines (Stockholm Arlanda) has concluded a sale-and-leaseback transaction with ACIA Aero covering two of its ATR72-600s. 

The aircraft are SE-MKE (msn 1348) and SE-MKF (msn 1357). 

The company operates fifteen units of the type through its BRA - Braathens Regional Airways AOC, of which it continues to own five. 

The other ten are leased from DAE Capital (four), Abelo Capital Aviation (three), and ACIA (three, including the two newly sold). 

BRA operates exclusively as a capacity provider for SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

CH Aviation
 

FLEET - Air Congo to Take Delivery of Two ATR 72-600s

Air Congo is preparing to take delivery of its two new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, already delivered to its technical partner Ethiopian Airlines.

FLEET - Pioneer Airlines Secures Second ATR72- 600

Nigerian startup carrier Pioneer Airlines is continuing the gradual expansion of its fleet with the imminent acquisition of a second ATR72-600 turboprop, marking another step in the rollout of its commercial operations and the consolidation of its regional development strategy.

ORDER - SUM Air Orders Up to Eight ATR 72-600s

Newly established Korean carrier strengthens partnership with ATR to support sustainable, essential air services across the region

Seoul, 3 April 2026 – ATR, the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer, today announced that SUM Air, Korea’s newest regional airline, has placed an order for four brand‑new ATR 72‑600 aircraft, along with four additional purchase rights, with deliveries scheduled from 2028. The agreement was signed on the occasion of the France–Korea bilateral economic forum held in Seoul, attended by the French President, marking a significant milestone for the airline, which began its commercial operations in March 2026 with a new leased ATR 72-600 from Avation.

Founded in 2022, SUM Air aims to reconnect Korea’s most underserved regions – including future island airports and short-haul routes to neighbouring countries like Japan and China – with reliable, responsible and affordable air mobility. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on 10 March 2026, following more than three years of preparation, personnel training, safety validation and aircraft integration.

This new order represents the next step in SUM Air’s long-term vision, ensuring the airline can gradually expand its domestic and international network while supporting Korea’s ambition to enhance regional mobility.

Yongduck Choi, Chief Executive Officer of SUM Air, said: “Sum Air, a regional air mobility airline, aims to strengthen regional connectivity across Korea and serve as a key part of the aviation infrastructure supporting regional revitalization through its partnership with ATR, a world-leading manufacturer of regional aircraft. Starting with the Gimpo–Sacheon route, we will build a spoke network linking inland and island airports. The aircraft acquired through this agreement will be deployed to operate routes to island airports such as Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Heuksando. The ATR 72-600, optimized for short-haul operations, will play a pivotal role in enabling Sum Air to deliver air services that connect islands and regions across Korea.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “The ATR 72‑600 is designed exactly for the type of regional connectivity SUM Air aims to develop. Its short‑runway performance will allow SUM Air to access island airports where jets cannot operate, and its fuel efficiency and cost effectiveness make routes viable that would otherwise not be sustainable. With this aircraft, SUM Air can reliably serve communities across Korea, from east to west and from the mainland to future island airports, while keeping operations economical and environmentally responsible.”

ATR has long identified Korea as a market with significant untapped potential for regional aviation, forecasting a fleet of 25–30 ATR 72 aircraft in the country within the coming years. SUM Air’s decision reinforces this outlook and reflects growing confidence in ATR’s state-of-the-art turboprop technology as the right solution for Korea’s geography and route structure.

 

ORDER - Abelo Confirms Three Additional ATR 72-600 Options

 Leading turboprop lessor Abelo has confirmed three additional ATR 72-600 options from the agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow in 2023. This milestone further strengthens Abelo’s commitment to modern, efficient regional aviation and reinforces the strong partnership between Abelo and ATR.

With these three additional options now exercised, Abelo has ordered 36 firm aircraft to this day, and still holds nine options and purchase rights. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027, expanding Abelo’s skyline and supporting its mission to provide sustainable, cost-effective connectivity.

Abelo has been very successful with its orderbook, with a third of all firm commitments being either placed or delivered, with an increased global footprint with airlines like SKY Express, Aegean (Greece), and SATENA (Colombia). Earlier this year, Abelo also supplied Ethiopian Airlines with two brand-new ATR turboprops.

ATR

FLEET - ETF Airways takes first ATR72-600

ETF Airways (2E, Zagreb Franjo Tuđman) has taken delivery of its first ATR72-600, 9A-ATR (msn 1387). 

The 9.2-year-old aircraft previously operated by Mandarin Airlines as B-16852 was ferried from Ho Chi Minh City, where it underwent transition maintenance, via Dhaka, Ahmedabad, Muscat, and Hurghada to Zagreb Franjo Tuđman over the course of March 27-29, 2026. 

The airline did not share a timeline for the aircraft's entry into service, but previously said it already had an ACMI contract secured for its first turboprop. 

ETF Airways also operates three B737-800s with plans to add a fourth unit shortly.
 

AIRLINE - Air Caledonie (New Caledonia) filed for bankruptcy on 27 March 2026, following almost a month of blockades opposing the company’s decision to move operations from Noumea Magenta to La Tontouta airport.

Air Calédonie, New Caledonia’s main domestic airline, has filed for bankruptcy protection under French law after nearly two months of flight cancellations and widespread airport blockades. The filing marks a sharp escalation in a crisis that has left the island’s residents stranded, triggered widespread protests, and raised concerns over the future of essential air services in this remote region of the South Pacific.

 the airline sought the French equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to preserve its limited resources and possibly resume select domestic flights under judicial oversight. The move follows weeks of intense protests against the airline’s controversial decision to move its operations from Nouméa’s Magenta Airport to La Tontouta Airport, located 40 kilometers from the capital. These protests have effectively blocked the airline’s ability to operate, leaving airfields across the archipelago closed and hundreds of families isolated.

Travel And Tour World

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