Japan Air Commuter Orders 8 ATR 42-600s

Japan Air Commuter has signed a firm purchase agreement for 8 ATR 42-600s, plus 1 option and 14 purchase rights, valued at US$ 496 million.

The signature of this deal represents a major milestone for ATR, as it represents the 1500th ATR aircraft sold since the beginning of the program. It is also the first contract signed between ATR and a Japanese airline.

Delivery of these new 50-seat ATR 42-600s will start in 2017 with the remaining aircraft to be delivered over the next three years.

With its brand new fleet, Japan Air Commuter will replace its current regional aircraft on its main routes as well as on operations to smaller islands of the country.

Arata Yasujima, President of Japan Air Commuter, said, “We are proud to be able to introduce the ATR aircraft to the skies of Japan. The ATR42-600 is a perfect match for the regional routes of JAL Group by its economical, environmental and operational specifications. Also we believe that the high level of ATR's reliability and our quality of operation will satisfy our passenger's needs. This brand new aircraft will take our passengers to many beautiful destinations, especially the islands of Kagoshima, southern part of Japan.

Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added, “Japan is a very interesting market, with some 100 regional aircraft, including over 50 ageing turboprops, which may be replaced in the near future ... In order to further develop our presence there and to more effectively serve the Japanese regional aviation market, we have established a new regional representation office in Tokyo.”

ATR 42-600

Passenger capacity: 46 to 50 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum take-off power: 2400 horsepower per engine
Maximum take-off weight: 18,600 kg
Maximum load: 5,500 kg
Maximum flight range when fully loaded: 800 nautical miles (1,483 km)