Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR continues to see strong demand, as two recent announcements highlight the accelerating development of regional aviation, both through leasing models and the emergence of new operators.
Irish lessor Abelo has exercised three additional options for the ATR 72-600 from an agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow 2023, bringing its total firm orders to 36 aircraft. The company still holds nine additional options and purchase rights, with deliveries of the newly confirmed units scheduled for 2027.
This move further underlines Abelo’s strategy of supporting regional airline fleet renewal with modern, fuel-efficient turboprops. Around a third of its orderbook has already been placed or delivered, including aircraft operated by SKY Express, Aegean Airlines and SATENA, while earlier this year two new ATR aircraft were delivered to Ethiopian Airlines.
At the same time, ATR is expanding its footprint with new operators. Korean start-up SUM Air has ordered four ATR 72-600 aircraft, with four additional purchase rights, and deliveries expected from 2028. The airline launched operations in March 2026 after obtaining its AOC and is already planning network expansion both domestically and internationally.
SUM Air intends to develop a regional network from Gimpo Airport to underserved and island destinations, where jet operations are often not viable. This is precisely where ATR sees its competitive advantage, combining short take-off performance with low operating costs to enable routes that would otherwise be economically challenging.
The common takeaway from both announcements is clear: the turboprop segment is regaining importance, not as a transitional solution, but as a long-term platform for sustainable regional connectivity.
