ATR enters the Japanese market, start-up LINK to be profitable after on year

Link, a regional start-up based in Japan, stated it expects to be profitable after one year of operation. The carrier also forecasts an operating profit of at least JPY500 million (USD6.4 million) as well as an IPO after two years of operation. After three years, the carrier forecasts at least JPY700 million (USD9.0 million) in operating profit and shareholder dividend. Details of the start-up are as follows:

• Date of establishment: 05-Apr-2012;
• Service launch: Mid-2013;
• Shareholder's equity: JPY460 million (USD5.9 million);
• President: Koichi Sugiyama;
• Business scope: Domestic and international air transportation and supplementary services, subject to government approval. The carrier plans to create a niche market operating to major and regional airports. [more - original PR - Japanese]

Meanwhile, the new regional carrier and ATR announced (09-Oct-2012) the introduction of the very first ATRs that will operate in Japan, one of the last Asian countries where ATR aircraft had not entered yet. LINK will start operations in 2013 with the introduction into its fleet of three leased ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will be delivered starting in late 2013. The arrival of these three 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft into the Japanese market represents a major milestone for ATR. The ATR 72-600s will be equipped with new Pratt & Whitney 127M engines and new full-glass cockpit developed by Thales. They will also be equipped with the new Armonia cabin. LINK CEO Koichi Sugiyama said, "The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified 70-seat aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft". [more - original PR]