ATR snags largest order in 8 years: UNI Air orders 19 ATR 72-600
June 10, 2025
Just days ahead of Paris Air Show next week, UNI Air’s firm order for 19 turboprops marks the largest order for ATR since 2017.
The Taiwanese airline’s firm order for 19 ATR 72-600s is accompanied by additional purchase rights for three more aircraft and reaffirms ATR’s leadership in regional aviation.
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Deliveries of the new aircraft, which will replace and expand UNI Air’s current fleet of 14 ATR 72-600s, are scheduled between 2027 and 2032.
Equipped with PW127XT engines, updated cabin interiors and a new Air Management System, the aircraft will enhance regional connectivity across UNI Air’s domestic network in Taiwan.
“With this new order we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring a young and modern fleet to serve the domestic market efficiently, offering passengers the highest standards of comfort and reliability,” said Solomon Lin, Chairman of UNI Air.
He also described ATR aircraft as “renowned for their unbeatable economics, fuel efficiency, versatility and airport accessibility and have consistently proven to be the optimal platform for regional connectivity.”
Regional connectivity powered by ATR aircraft
Once in service, the aircraft will operate primarily from Taipei Songshan Airport serving 11 destinations across UNI’s domestic network, including the islands of Kinmen, Penghu and Matsu. The regional carrier also serves into larger domestic and international hubs contributing to a broader regional mobility network.
ATR’s CEO, Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude joined Lin in celebrating the order, saying: “UNI Air makes a meaningful difference for the communities it serves, providing the frequency, reliability and connectivity they need.”
The airline’s confidence in ATR she stressed is “testament to the essential role our aircraft play in shaping efficient and sustainable regional aviation networks.”
UNI Air, formerly known as Makung Airlines, is a sister airline to EVA Air, which acquired the equity of Makung Airlines in 1995, before rebranding and refreshing the carrier in 1996. In 2011, UNI Air purchased 10 ATR 72-600s.
How ATR is bucking the trend of late deliveries
While other manufacturers have struggled to meet delivery targets, hampered by supply chain constraints, ATR enjoyed a remarkably successful 2024.
Sales grew 40% against 2023, with 56 aircraft ordered and 16 new customers acquired.
Notably, the OEM hit its delivery target of 35 aircraft over the year. It is looking ahead to more growth, as the ATR-600 series renewal ramps up.
