ATR enters the Japanese market

Japan's new carrier LINK will operate a fleet of 3 ATR 72-600s
Nagoya, 09 October 2012


The European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and Japan's new regional carrier LINK are pleased to announce the introduction of the very first ATRs that will fly in Japan, one of the last Asian countries where ATR aircraft had not entered yet. LINK will start operations in 2013 with the introduction into its fleet of three leased ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will be delivered starting in late 2013. This major commercial announcement has been unveiled on the occasion of the Japan Aerospace Airshow, held in Nagoya (Japan).

The arrival of these three 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft into the Japanese market represents a major milestone for ATR, which is already well established all over Asia and the Pacific region, with 250 aircraft currently operated by some 50 airlines over 25 countries. These ATR 72-600s will be equipped with new Pratt & Whitney 127M engines and new full-glass cockpit developed by Thales. They will also be equipped with the new Armonia cabin, developed by Italian designer Giugiaro, featuring the most modern layout and most advanced technologies in the field of passenger comfort.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Koichi Sugiyama, Chief Executive Officer of LINK, declared: “The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified 70-seat aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft”.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “Today is a really important day for ATR. We are entering a new and huge market which may bring us substantial commercial opportunities in a country with some 130 million inhabitants. The introduction of these ATR 72-600s with LINK will give us the opportunity of further consolidating our newest 70-seat aircraft as the reference for regional operations. We will make sure for offering all the supports Link will need for its future success in Japan and commit to this important market. The ATR 72-600 features the lowest operating and maintenance costs of the market, as well as the newest navigation aid tools for optimal performances. In addition, we are pleased to bring into Japan an aircraft which is largely recognized as the greenest one among all regional planes”.

About the ATR 72-600:

Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M
Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)



About LINK:

Link Inc. was established on April 5, 2012 in order to enter the regional air transport market in Japan. It aims to start commercial operation in 2013 with three ATR72-600s on domestic routes linking major airports and local airports in Japan, as well as on short-haul international routes.


About ATR:

Founded in 1981, ATR has become the world leader on the market for regional aircraft with 90 seats or less. Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,200 aircraft, and has today 186 operators based in 90 countries. ATR planes have totaled over 21 million flight hours. ATR is an equal partnership between two major European aeronautics players, Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica Group company) and EADS. Its head office is in Toulouse (France). ATR is ISO 14001-certified, the international reference standard in the field for environmental friendliness.