Japan Air Commuter signs ATR milestone contract: 1500th aircraft sold

Japan Air Commuter – a JAL Group Company- and the European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 8 firm ATR42-600s, plus 1 option and 14 purchase rights, valued at US$496m. The signature of this deal represents a major milestone for ATR, as it represents the 1500th ATR aircraft sold since the beginning of the program. It is also the first contract signed between ATR and a Japanese airline. The operations with these new 50-seat ATR 42-600s will start in 2017 with the remaining aircraft to be delivered over the next three years. With its brand new fleet, Japan Air Commuter will replace its current regional aircraft on its main routes as well as on operations to smaller islands of the country.