Japanese start-up LINK to operate ATR 72-600s

ATR 72-600. Courtesy, ATR

New Japanese regional carrier LINK—which will launch in 2013—will acquire three ATR 72-600s, becoming the first carrier in Japan to operate ATR aircraft.

LINK, which was established April 5, is planning to start operations next year serving a network of domestic and short-haul international routes.

The start-up, which has been seeking a modern aircraft with low operating costs, will take three of the type on lease from late 2013.

“The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements,” LINK CEO Koichi Sugiyama said, announcing the deal at the Japan Aerospace Airshow in Nagoya.

ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato said the deal was “a major milestone” for ATR, marking the manufacturer’s entry into the Japanese market. “We are entering a new and huge market, which may bring us substantial commercial opportunities,” he said.