Regional aircraft maker ATR said it has sold two ATR 72-500 aircraft from its asset management portfolio to South Korea’s Hi Air. With this purchase, the South Korean start-up, which began operations in December 2019, will increase its ATR fleet to four. The two additional aircraft will be delivered in August and October. This summer, Hi Air will launch services on five domestic routes including to the popular tourist destination of Jeju Island.
Hi Air’s capacity for growth at this time also illustrates the resilience of the regional aviation market which is likely to make a faster recovery, with domestic short haul routes proving to be the first to resume as countries around the world begin to lift lockdown restrictions. The airline continued to serve passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring connectivity to South Korean communities.
HyungKwan Youn, CEO of Hi Air, said “selecting the ATR 72 to begin operations has been important for Hi Air’s early success. Launching an airline is hugely challenging. To be successful, new airlines need an aircraft that is efficient, reliable and offers passengers a good in-flight experience. To be in a position already to expand our operations is because the ATR fulfils these criteria. At Hi Air, we believe that increasing regional connectivity in Korea will benefit passengers, communities and businesses and we look forward to continuing this mission with the support of ATR.”
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