Toki Air takes delivery of an ATR 72-600 to start its operations
The new Japanese airline will provide essential connectivity in Japan, with the most responsible regional aircraft on the market
Toulouse, 10 October 2022 – ATR, world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, and Japanese airline Toki Air announce the delivery of an ATR 72-600 via lessor NAC. Covered by a ten-year ATR Global Maintenance Agreement, the aircraft will support Toki Air’s mission of revitalising Niigata city and the surrounding regions of Japan. The carrier plans to start operations in 2023.
Fourth airline to operate ATR aircraft in Japan, Toki Air has chosen the name of an ancestral bird also called ‘Japanese crested ibis’, mainly living in Sado island. This is a symbol of the preservation of nature in Japan. It represents the airline’s commitment to connecting areas that coexist with nature, operating the lowest CO2 emissions and most fuel-efficient aircraft. The new ATR 72-600 sports a livery representing the spread wings of Toki.
Masaki Hasegawa, Representative Director of Toki Air, commented: “We are pleased to start operating our ATR 72-600 aircraft soon. Thanks to their unrivalled versatility and responsible and affordable performance, ATR aircraft are the ideal choice for us as an airline and for our country. This first aircraft will allow us to serve our higher purpose by providing a responsible and reliable air connection to the communities of the Niigata Prefecture and surrounding regions. We look forward to seeing Toki flying in the skies of Japan.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, added: “Our long-term relationship with NAC and the confidence of the lessors’ community in our aircraft allow new airlines such as Toki Air to offer their passengers the most modern and sustainable aircraft on the regional market. The support we will be able to provide through the ATR Global Maintenance Agreement will also ensure the most reliable and efficient services.”
Norman C.T. Liu, President & CEO of NAC, said: “We are pleased to welcome Toki Air as our newest customer. We wish all the team at Toki Air every success and look forward to a long-term, successful partnership.”
In countries committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving biodiversity such as Japan, ATR aircraft have proven to be successful: they connect communities and businesses across the archipelago in the most responsible way. There are currently 15 ATR aircraft flying across the country and ATR foresees a potential for 100 ATR aircraft in the medium term.
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About Toki Air
Toki Air Co., Ltd.(“Toki Air”) is a new Japanese regional airline preparing to operate in 20232022 based at Niigata airport. Toki Air with its vision of “More freedom in the sky” is introducing the optimal management solutions for sustainable regional airlines and working to enhance regional aviation networks and promote regional revitalisation. Toki Air provides free movement, fulfills dreams that have been given up and connect people’s hearts together.
About NAC
NAC is the global leader in regional aircraft leasing and is expanding into larger narrowbody aircraft leveraging our world class asset management platform.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company’s employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the company’s focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open more than 100 new routes every year, burn up less fuel and emit less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
