Japan's Oriental Air Bridge to debut ATR42 ops in early 3Q23

Japan's Oriental Air Bridge details ATR42 ops from 3Q23

Japan's Oriental Air Bridge takes first ATR42-600

Oriental Air Bridge (OC, Nagasaki) has taken delivery of its first ATR42-600 as it begins its fleet renewal programme.

JA10RC (msn 1612) was handed over to the Japanese regional carrier on December 16, 2022, although it is not scheduled to enter into service before July 2023. The aircraft is the first of three ordered by Oriental Air Bridge in July 2022. The airline will use the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops to replace its two remaining DHC-8-Q200s, which are currently 22.3 years old on average. The third aircraft of the type was already retired in August 2022, the ch-aviation fleets advanced module highlights. The airline hopes to benefit from fleet commonality with regional partner carriers, Amakusa Airlines, HAC - Hokkaido Air System, and Japan Air Commuter, all of which already operate ATR42-600s.

"We are pleased to start operating our ATR42-600 aircraft soon. With the unrivalled versatility and sustainable performance of ATR aircraft, this delivery represents a step forward for us to better serve our higher...

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Japan's Feel Air Holdings inks LOI for 36 ATR turboprops

Japanese start-up Feel Air Holdings has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with ATR - Avions de Transport Régional (EVX, Toulouse Blagnac) for the proposed purchase of thirty-six ATR42 and ATR72 aircraft.

Announced during the 2022 Farnborough Air Show, the tentative order consists of ATR42-600s, ATR72-600s, as well as the STOL-capable ATR42-600S.

The company plans to launch services in 2024 with Feel Air East (Tokyo Narita), growing to five regional franchises by 2028. It aims to develop new regional routes throughout the Japanese archipelago, which has close to 100 operational airports.

“Over the coming years, Feel Air Holdings will establish at least five regional airlines, with a fleet that will ultimately comprise 36 ATR aircraft," Hideki Ide, Chief Executive Officer of Feel Air Holdings, said in a statement. "Our fundamental goal is to improve regional air mobility in Japan by connecting local destinations that currently do not have air service, thereby creating stronger links between regional businesses and people, generating new markets, and enriching local economies. ATR aircraft...