ATR inks largest turboprop order in a decade
UNI Air, Taiwan's leading regional airline, has formalized an agreement with the Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR for the acquisition of 19 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. The contract, valued at USD 437 million, also includes purchase options for three additional units and marks a decisive step in the company's modernization and expansion strategy.
The signing ceremony took place in Taipei and was attended by UNI Air Chairman Lin Chih-chung and ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, closing the process announced last month.
The delivery schedule establishes that the new aircraft will begin joining the fleet from 2027, with the renewal process to be completed by 2032. With these additions, the airline's ATR fleet will reach 19 aircraft by 2029, representing a net increase of five planes over its current fleet of 14 of the same model, with a mean age of 11,2 years.
UNI Air Chairman, Lin Chih-chung, explained that the airline holds a market share of nearly 60% on Taiwan's domestic routes, serving as a fundamental mode of transport not only for business and leisure travelers but also for residents of the outlying islands who need to travel for family or medical reasons.
Lin Chih-chung added that with the fleet renewal and expansion, "it will be possible to increase flight frequencies and optimize schedules to meet residents' expectations for high-density services." Furthermore, the increased fleet flexibility will allow for a more effective response to demand during large-scale events or adverse weather conditions.
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Why is the ATR 72-600 key for routes in Taiwan?
The ATR 72-600 is ideal for Taiwan's domestic routes due to its high efficiency on short hauls and its demand-suited capacity. It connects the main island with the archipelagos of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, where runways can be shorter, ensuring a frequent and cost-effective air service that is essential for community connectivity.
For her part, ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude commented that, "UNI Air brings a real impact to the communities it serves, providing flights, reliability, and convenience." The executive also stated that the airline's trust in their products "is the best proof of the role our aircraft play in shaping efficient and sustainable regional aviation networks."
The aircraft ordered by UNI Air will be equipped with the new Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engines. This powerplant offers a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction of up to 20% in maintenance costs compared to the previous generation.
Inside, the planes will feature an updated air purification system and ergonomic seats. The configuration will be 72 seats, increasing passenger capacity by 3% per flight while maintaining comfortable spacing.
UNI Air, a subsidiary of EVA Air, operates a network of 16 domestic routes with over 700 weekly flights, establishing itself as the most important air bridge for the eastern and insular regions of Taiwan.
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