Toki Air (BV, Niigata) has signed a letter of intent with ATR - Avions de Transport Régional over the possibility of acquiring the STOL-capable ATR42-600S.
The turboprop, which is still being developed by the Franco-Italian manufacturer, will be capable of uplifting standard passenger payloads from runways as short as 800 metres. Service entry is expected in 2025.
As previously reported, Toki Air is planning to start shorthaul domestic flights in 2022 and has already secured two ATR72-600s from Nordic Aviation Capital for delivery in Spring next year. In addition to Niigata airport, Toki Air will also operate to and from Sado Shima Island, off the coast of Niigata, where the runway measures only 890 meters.
