Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd (HAC), a JAL Group Company and ATR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purchase of two firm ATR 42-600s with an option for a third. HAC will begin operating these aircraft from 2020. These aircraft will replace HAC’s fleet of Saab 340s taking advantage of the superior economics of the cutting-edge ATR -600 series.

Yoichiro Kuwano, President of HAC, declared: “The ATR 42-600 benefits from a wide cabin, comparable to that of medium-sized aircraft and will significantly improve cabin comfort for our passengers. Also the aircraft has extensive experience with operations in cold winter, which will increase the reliability of the operation in cold Hokkaido. With this new aircraft and the safe operation system we’ve established, we will continue to provide reliable and comfortable travel to local businesses and communities.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Christian Scherer, said: “We are delighted to see that ATR is the right aircraft for Japan. With economics that are unmatched by any other aircraft the ATR makes perfect sense financially but beyond this, JAL Group’s endorsement is testimony to the relevance of our product in a most advanced society that is concerned with comfort, environmentally-friendliness and the benefits of regional connectivity.”

Photo: ATR.