Cleared for Takeoff: A New Chapter for Regional Aviation in Korea with SUM Air

On March 30, a new story begins in the skies of Korea.

Not just the launch of a new airline, but the culmination of a journey driven by purpose: bringing people, islands and communities closer together.

For SUM Air, the path to the first commercial flight has been anything but ordinary. Founded in 2022 with a vision to offer flights to the future island airports, underserved regions across the continent, and to Japan and China, the airline set out to tackle a challenge often overlooked in modern aviation: how to restore mobility to places that large aircraft and major carriers rarely reach.

From vision to certification

The journey started with an ambitious goal, building Korea's first airline dedicated to regional air mobility.

Since establishing SUM Air in November 2022, the company has undergone more than three years of thorough preparation.

In February 2025, the company took its first step toward commercial operations by obtaining its Air Carrier License (ACL). This was followed by recruiting experienced personnel, conducting crew training, establishing safety procedures, performing trial flights, and introducing the latest-generation ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft to Korea.

Today, that work has reached a defining milestone. The airline has now obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the final approval confirming that its operations meet the highest safety and operational standards.

And with that certification, the runway is clear.

The right aircraft for the mission

Starting March 30, SUM Air will launch regular operations with the Gimpo-Sacheon route, providing essential air services with ATR 72-600s to regions that have historically lacked convenient connectivity. This is just the beginning, with future plans including routes to Japan, services to Ulleungdo Island once its airport is completed, and new 'continental' connections."

Designed to operate from shorter runways and smaller airports, our turboprop aircraft makes it possible to serve future island airports in Korea, destinations where jets cannot operate. It also enables profitable operations on routes that would not be viable with larger aircraft, supporting SUM Air's ambition to open new air services

With ATR turboprop technology, operators can deliver significant environmental advantages, burning 45% less fuel and emitting 45% less CO₂ per trip compared with similar-size jets, making it a powerful tool for low-emission regional connectivity.

The beginning of the journey

Every airline has a first flight.
But some flights carry more meaning than others.

On March 30, when SUM Air's ATR 72-600 lifts off, it will carry more than passengers.
It will carry a vision: that regional aviation can reconnect communities, restore access, and reshape how people move across a country.

Because sometimes, the routes communities need most aren't the busiest ones.
They are the ones that bring people home.