SUM Air has begun commercial operations in South Korea, marking the entry of a new regional airline focused on connecting underserved destinations with smaller aircraft.
The carrier received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) ahead of its launch on March 30, completing a certification process that followed the granting of its Air Carrier License in early 2025. The approvals clear the airline to operate scheduled services under South Korean aviation regulations.
Founded in 2022, SUM Air is targeting routes that are not typically served by larger jet aircraft, including secondary cities, future island airports and short-haul international links to Japan and China. Its initial service connects Seoul’s Gimpo Airport with Sacheon, a city on the country’s southern coast.
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Operations are being carried out with ATR 72-600 turboprops, a type designed for short runways and lower-demand routes. The aircraft enables access to smaller airports where jet operations are limited or not viable, while offering lower operating costs on thinner routes.
The airline plans to expand its network as new infrastructure becomes available, including the planned airport on Ulleungdo Island, a long-isolated destination in the East Sea. Additional regional routes within Korea and nearby international markets are also under consideration.
SUM Air’s launch comes as South Korea looks to improve air connectivity beyond its main hubs, where traffic is concentrated on high-density domestic and international routes. Regional aviation has remained limited in comparison, leaving smaller communities reliant on ground or maritime transport.
ATR, which supplies the aircraft, has positioned turboprops as a solution for these markets, citing lower fuel consumption compared with jets of similar capacity and the ability to sustain operations on shorter sectors.
