ATR announced that JCAS Airways, a Japanese startup airline, signed a Letter of Intent with Avation, a Singapore-based lessor, to lease an ATR 72-600. This marks a major step for JCAS Airways as they plan to start operations with the new turboprop, with delivery expected at the end of 2025. The airline will initially connect Kansai to Toyama and Yonago.
This agreement follows Avation’s recent order of ten ATR 72-600 aircraft. The early placement of this first aircraft indicates strong market confidence and the ATR’s asset liquidity.
Seiji Shirane, CEO of JCAS Airways, emphasised the importance of regional air links for Japan’s communities, highlighting the airline’s role in boosting the economy and maintaining vital connections. Jeff Chatfield, Executive Chairman of Avation, praised the selection of the ATR 72-600 for its sustainability and regional connectivity benefits. Alexis Vidal of ATR welcomed JCAS Airways and noted the partnership’s reinforcement of ATR’s presence in Japan.
Separately, ATR delivered the first of two ATR 72-600s to airHaifa, an Israeli startup airline, which aims to enhance connectivity for northern Israel residents. The ATR 72-600’s advanced engines offer significant CO2 emission reductions, supporting airHaifa’s commitment to sustainability.
Gonen Usishkin, CEO of airHaifa, expressed excitement over their first aircraft delivery, focusing on sustainable development and regional connectivity. ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude highlighted the importance of their partnership with startup airlines for enhancing global regional connectivity.
In Closing
JCAS Airways and airHaifa’s agreements with ATR and Avation represent significant steps in regional air travel, promoting economic growth and sustainability while enhancing connectivity.
Avation PLC (LON:AVAP) is a commercial passenger aircraft leasing company owning a fleet of aircraft which it leases to airlines across the world. Avation’s future focus are new technology low CO2 emission aircraft.
