Hi Air has signed its purchase agreement for two ATR 72-500 aircraft from ATR. With this purchase the South Korean start-up, which began operations in December 2019, will increase its ATR fleet to four. The two additional aircraft will be delivered in August and October.
Supported by the superior economics and versatility of the ATR 72, which burns 40% less fuel and emits 40% less CO2 than a comparable regional jet, the airline is already ready to grow its fleet and expand the number of routes it offers. This summer, Hi Air will launch services on five domestic routes, including the popular tourist destination of Jeju Island.
Hi Air Co Ltd, operating as Hi Air, is a new regional airline in South Korea that was founded in 2017 and began operations in December 2019.
Chief Executive Officer of Hi Air, HyungKwan Youn, said, “Selecting the ATR 72 to begin operations has been important for Hi Air’s early success. Launching an airline is hugely challenging. To be successful, new airlines need an aircraft that is efficient, reliable and offers passengers a good in-flight experience. To be in a position already to expand our operations is because the ATR fulfills these criteria. At Hi Air, we believe that increasing regional connectivity in Korea will benefit passengers, communities and businesses and we look forward to continuing this mission with the support of ATR.”