Japan Airlines : Hokkaido Air System Signs for ATR 42-600 Aircraft

Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd. (HAC), a JAL Group Company, and ATR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of two firm ATR 42-600s with an option for a third. HAC will begin operating these aircraft from 2020. These aircraft will replace HAC`s fleet of Saab 340`s taking advantage of the superior economics of the cutting-edge ATR -600 series.

Yoichiro Kuwano, President of HAC, said: 'The ATR 42-600 benefits from a wide cabin, comparable to that of a medium-sized aircraft, and will significantly improve the cabin comfort for our passengers. Also, the aircraft has extensive experience with operations in cold winter, which will increase the reliability of the operations in Hokkaido. With this new aircraft and the safe operation system we`ve established, we will continue to provide reliable and comfortable travel to local businesses and communities.'

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Christian Scherer, said: 'We are delighted to see that ATR is the right aircraft for Japan. With economics that are unmatched by any other aircraft, the ATR makes perfect sense financially but beyond this, JAL Group`s endorsement is testimony to the relevance of our product in a most advanced society that is concerned with comfort, environmentally-friendliness and the benefits of regional connectivity.'

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About Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd

Established on September 30, 1997, Hokkaido Air System began operations in March 1998, with Japan Airlines (57.2%), Hokkaido government (19.5%), Sapporo city (13.5%), Hakodate city (2.0%), and Asahikawa city (1.0%) as major shareholders. Hokkaido Air System currently operates three aircraft (SAAB340B-WT) with 26 daily departures on five routes. Based in Sapporo Okadama, routes feature Sapporo Okadama=Rishiri, Sapporo Okadama=Kushiro, Sapporo Okadama=Hakodate, Sapporo Okadama=Misawa, and Hakodate=Okushiri.

About ATR:

European turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category. With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20% on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com.