Sum Air receives air carrier licence
February 18, 2025
South Korea’s newest regional airline, Sum Air, has taken a step toward launching operations after securing its air carrier licence (ACL).
The approval allows the airline to move forward with its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application, paving the way for commercial flights using ATR 72-600 aircraft.
Sum Air’s launch aligns with South Korea’s push to improve regional air connectivity, ATR said in a release, particularly to islands and underutilised secondary airports.
A key focus will be Ulleungdo, where the country’s first island airport with a 1,200-metre runway is set to open in 2027.
Initially serving domestic routes, Sum Air also plans to expand into Japan.
The airline has chosen the ATR 72-600, and ATR said it sees strong growth potential in South Korea and aims to increase its fleet in the country to 25-30 aircraft within five years.
