Uni Air signs for 19 ATR72-600s

In pre-Paris Air Show news, ATR Aircraft are coming out strong, with one of their largest orders for some time.

UNI Air – a group company of EVA Air has placed a firm order for 19 ATR 72-600s, along with three additional purchase rights.

This marks the largest ATR order since 2017, and the second direct order from UNI Air since 2011, when the Taiwanese airline purchased 10 ATR 72-600s.

Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2032.

These 19 brand-new aircraft will replace and expand UNI Air’s current fleet of 14 ATR 72-600s, marking a significant step in the airline’s modernisation and growth.  These are equipped with new generation PW127XT engines, an updated cabin design, and a New Air Management System.

UNI Air operates primarily from Taipei Songshan Airport,  providing connectivity for locals, tourists and businesses alike to 11 destinations.

In Quotes

Mr. Solomon Lin, Chairman of UNI Air, said:

“This marks a major step in UNI Air’s strategy to enhance domestic air services, playing a vital role in boosting Taiwan’s dynamism at local, national and regional levels. With this new order, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring a young and modern fleet to serve the domestic market efficiently, offering passengers the highest standards of comfort and reliability. ATR aircraft, renowned for their unbeatable economics, fuel efficiency, versatility and airport accessibility, have consistently proven to be the optimal platform for regional connectivity. As we continue to grow our operations, ATR remains our preferred partner, playing a key role in sustaining and strengthening Taiwan’s air network.” 

Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, Chief Executive Officer at ATR, thanked UNI Air for their continued trust, and added:

“UNI Air makes a meaningful difference for the communities it serves, providing them with the frequency, reliability, and connectivity they need. We are delighted to renew our strategic partnership, supporting them in their expansion plans. UNI Air’s confidence in ATR is the strongest testament to the essential role our aircraft play in shaping efficient and sustainable regional aviation networks. This new order is a powerful affirmation of our mission: building aircraft that bring communities closer together.”

A big step forward for the ATR programme

We’ve seen mega-orders from airlines, but these have been focused on wide or narrow body aircraft, with regional aircraft left behind sometimes in the wake, with small order numbers.

With up to 22 aircraft, it’s a major trust in ATR to deliver updated turboprop aircraft as they continue to push forward in the turboprop and regional space and sets up a very interesting week for the company as we head into the Paris Air Show.