SUM Air Co., Ltd. Obtains Air Carrier License for Small Aircraft Operations

SUM Air Co., Ltd. (CEO Yongduck Choi) officially received its Air Carrier License for small aircraft operations from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) on February 17, 2025. The company plans to promptly apply for its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and aims to launch its inaugural routes: Gimpo–Pohang/Gyeongju–Jeju and Gimpo–Sacheon–Jeju.

SUM Air has secured a lease agreement for one brand-new ATR72-600 aircraft, manufactured by ATR, a subsidiary of Airbus, at its Toulouse facility. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in November this year. Additionally, the company has signed a purchase agreement with ATR for eight more ATR72-600 aircraft, which will be introduced sequentially following the leased aircraft.

SUM Air is the first airline to obtain a small aircraft operations license since the Korean government revised regulations in 2024, increasing the maximum seat capacity from 50 to 80. The airline is now preparing for the AOC process in compliance with the updated regulatory framework.

To support the government’s efforts to enhance aviation safety, SUM Air will operate only brand-new aircraft. Notably, the ATR72-600, which the airline has selected, is a next-generation turboprop aircraft that has yet to be introduced in Korea.

About the ATR72-600

• Seats: 72

• Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines

• Noise: 14.1 dB quieter than comparable regional jets, 8.8 dB below ICAO standards — ideal for island operations

• Sustainability: Capable of using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); test flights have proven successful using 100% SAF

• Emergency Role: Convertible rear three seat rows allow for stretcher installation, enabling air ambulance functionality for island emergencies

• Performance: Safe takeoff and landing on short and narrow runways

• Operational Use: Currently in use by Japan Air Commuter (JAC) on Japan’s Yoronjima (1,200m runway); proven reliability across island nations such as Indonesia and the Philippines

• Landing Distance: Requires only 603 meters for full stop landing with a full payload, and 641 meters at maximum landing weight — well within the 1,200m runways of upcoming Ulleung, Heuksan, and Baengnyeong airports

• Wildlife Safety: Twin-engine turboprop configuration significantly reduces risk of bird ingestion into air intakes

• Track Record: Over 1,800 ATR aircraft safely operate worldwide, with no major incidents due to bird strikes

• Environmental Benefit: Consumes 45% less fuel per seat compared to regional jets, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 170 tons annually

• Navigation: Equipped for CAT-II and RNP-AR approaches, enabling precise landings even in low-visibility weather

Runway Length Reference for Ulleung Airport

• ALD (Actual Landing Distance): LD (Landing Distance) × 0.7 (EASA coefficient)

• LDA (Landing Distance Available): 1,260 m

• TORA (Takeoff Run Available): 1,320 m

• TODA (Takeoff Distance Available): 1,365 m

• ASDA (Acceleration Stop Distance Available): 1,320 m

About SUM Air

Founded on November 17, 2022, SUM Air is a regional air mobility (RAM) carrier dedicated to connecting cities with islands and bridging underserved regional routes. The airline was established in response to Korea’s government-led initiatives to develop small airports and revitalize regional air transport.

SUM Air’s route strategy is designed to support balanced national development and address regional depopulation. By forming a comprehensive air network between inland cities and islands, the airline aims to strengthen regional connectivity.

Phase 1 Routes (Planned Launch)

• Gimpo – Pohang/Gyeongju

• Gimpo – Sacheon

• Pohang/Gyeongju – Jeju

• Sacheon – Jeju

Phase 2 Routes (Planned)

• Gimpo – Ulsan

• Gimpo – Yeosu

• Gimpo – Busan

• Pohang – Yeosu

• Yeosu – Jeju

• Ulsan – Jeju