Toki Air Reassesses Fleet After ATR Scraps STOL Variant

Toki Air, the Niigata-based regional airline in Japan, has taken delivery of its first ATR42-600 turboprop aircraft during a handover ceremony at Toulouse Blagnac Airport. The aircraft, registered as JA03QQ (msn 1618), is expected to be delivered to the airline’s fleet soon, although it has yet to be ferried to Japan.

The delivery of the ATR42-600, which was initially scheduled for late 2023, was delayed by approximately one year. Despite the setback, Toki Air is eager to integrate the aircraft into its existing fleet, which currently consists of two ATR72-600s. The addition of the ATR42-600 is part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand and strengthen its regional operations across Japan, focusing on smaller routes and regional connectivity.

The ATR42-600, a 48-50 seat regional turboprop, is well-suited to Toki Air’s operations, especially given its ability to access smaller airports and shorter runways. This is particularly important in Japan’s more remote regions, where larger aircraft cannot easily operate. The ATR42-600 will provide a flexible and cost-effective option for Toki Air to cater to domestic demand, as well as potentially explore new regional routes.

In addition to the ATR42-600, Toki Air had originally planned to add the ATR42-600S, a short-take-off-and-landing (STOL) variant. The STOL version was intended to provide the airline with greater operational flexibility, particularly for airports with shorter runways. However, ATR recently announced that it would cancel the ATR42-600S program, citing shifting market demands and strategic adjustments. This unexpected decision has prompted Toki Air to reevaluate its fleet strategy moving forward.

Although the cancellation of the ATR42-600S will not immediately impact Toki Air’s short-term plans, the airline has acknowledged that the situation might require a reassessment of its long-term fleet composition. The airline had hoped to introduce the STOL variant to serve destinations with limited infrastructure, but with its discontinuation, Toki Air may need to explore other aircraft options to meet these operational requirements.

Despite the cancellation of the ATR42-600S, Toki Air remains optimistic about its current fleet expansion and the role the ATR42-600 will play in enhancing regional air travel within Japan. The airline is committed to continuing its mission of providing reliable and efficient service to underserved regions, which remains central to its business strategy.

As Toki Air moves forward, the airline is exploring alternative fleet strategies, including possible upgrades to its existing ATR72-600s or the introduction of new aircraft models that could support its growing network of domestic routes. The airline is confident that the continued evolution of its fleet will position it well for the future, especially as it adapts to changes in the regional aviation market.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com