DALLAS - Japanese regional carrier Oriental Air Bridge (OC) has received its first ATR 42-600, ordered at this year's Farnborough Air Show, as part of its fleet renewal program.

OC will use the type to replace its pair of 22-year-old de Havilland Dash 8-Q200s. It is due to enter service in July 2023. The airline ordered the ATR in a bid to benefit from fleet commonality with its fellow Japanese regional partner carriers, Amakusa Airlines (MZ), HAC - Hokkaido Air System (6L), and Japan Air Commuter (JC).

https://youtu.be/TMxnESzFC-Q

"Unrivalled Versatility and Sustainable Performance"

Regarding the arrival, OC managing director Kazuhito Tanaka "We are pleased to start operating our ATR 42-600 aircraft soon. With the unrivalled versatility and sustainable performance of ATR aircraft, this delivery represents a step forward for us to better serve our higher purpose of providing air link to revitalise the remote islands around Nagasaki Prefecture, in the most responsible way."

Oriental Air Bridge was established in 1961 as Nagasaki Airways. It was given its current name in March 2001 and serves seven destinations in southern Japan. Its main base is Nagasaki Airport (NGS).

In June, the Franco-Italian plane-maker unveiled its plans to expand its presence in the Japanese market in anticipation of significant demand from Japanese carriers for its regional aircraft in the coming years. ATR entered the Japanese market six years ago, and 15 of its airframes are in service today.

https://airwaysmag.com/atr-plans-japanese-market-expansion/

Featured Image: The maiden airframe (JA10RC) is set to enter service in July 2023. Photo: ATR.