Wednesday, June 11, 2025

EVA Air’s UNI Air has placed a significant order for 19 ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking a major step forward in expanding and modernizing its fleet to enhance travel services across Taiwan. This order, the largest ATR purchase by UNI Air since 2017, is set to replace and expand the airline’s existing fleet, ensuring more efficient and reliable operations for both domestic and regional routes. With the introduction of these advanced turboprop aircraft, UNI Air will offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and an upgraded passenger experience, ultimately strengthening its role as a key player in Taiwan’s travel network and supporting the growing demand for reliable, sustainable air connectivity.

In a significant move to enhance its fleet and services, UNI Air, a subsidiary of EVA Air, has placed a firm order for 19 ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking the largest ATR order by the airline since 2017. The order also includes three additional purchase rights, providing UNI Air with the flexibility to expand its fleet further in the coming years. Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled between 2027 and 2032, allowing the airline ample time to integrate the new planes into its operations.

This new order represents a significant upgrade for UNI Air, which will use these 19 aircraft to replace and expand its current fleet of 14 ATR 72-600s. The decision to modernize and increase the size of its fleet is part of UNI Air’s broader strategy to improve its service offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive regional aviation market. The order also marks the second direct purchase from ATR by UNI Air since 2011 when the airline acquired 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft. This ongoing partnership with ATR underscores the Taiwanese airline’s commitment to providing efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly air services.

The new ATR 72-600s will be equipped with the latest advancements in aviation technology, including new-generation PW127XT engines. These engines offer improved fuel efficiency, which will significantly reduce operating costs for UNI Air while simultaneously lowering the airline’s carbon footprint. The updated cabin design will enhance the passenger experience, offering more comfort and modern amenities. Additionally, the aircraft will feature the New Air Management System, which contributes to lower maintenance costs, increased reliability, and overall operational efficiency.

These improvements are expected to provide a substantial boost to UNI Air’s competitiveness in the region. With enhanced fuel efficiency and reliability, the new ATR 72-600s will help the airline operate more economically while also reducing downtime for maintenance. This modernization of UNI Air’s fleet is seen as a key move to strengthen its position as a leading regional carrier.

UNI Air primarily operates from Taipei Songshan Airport, serving as a crucial link for local, national, and international travelers. The airline plays a pivotal role in Taiwan’s air transport network by providing essential connectivity to 11 destinations across the region. These destinations include the scenic islands of Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu, where the airline relies on its ATR turboprop fleet to operate shorter, regional routes.

Beyond these direct flights, UNI Air’s services are integral to Taiwan’s broader transportation ecosystem. The airline facilitates the seamless movement of passengers between smaller regional airports and larger domestic hubs like Taoyuan International Airport, as well as international destinations. By acting as a feeder airline, UNI Air ensures that communities across Taiwan are well-connected, contributing to the smooth functioning of the island’s integrated transportation network.

UNI Air’s role extends beyond just providing air travel services. The airline also plays a significant role in promoting tourism, local commerce, and regional economic development. Its connectivity to the outer islands and key cities in Taiwan enables tourists and business travelers to reach their destinations more efficiently, contributing to the country’s overall economic vitality.

The new ATR 72-600 aircraft will be an important part of UNI Air’s strategy to promote sustainable air travel. As a low-emission aircraft, the ATR 72-600 is particularly well-suited for regional operations, where shorter routes and smaller passenger loads are common. By using the latest-generation turboprop engines, the aircraft reduces its environmental impact, making it a more sustainable choice for short-haul flights.

This focus on sustainability aligns with UNI Air’s commitment to providing efficient and environmentally responsible air travel options. The introduction of these fuel-efficient aircraft supports Taiwan’s broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, particularly in the aviation sector, which is a key contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

UNI Air’s investment in new aircraft reflects the airline’s ambition to not only expand its domestic air services but also contribute to the broader development of Taiwan’s transportation ecosystem. By upgrading its fleet, UNI Air is ensuring that it remains a key player in Taiwan’s air transport sector, which continues to grow in importance as the country positions itself as a hub for both business and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

The airline’s expanded fleet will also help improve Taiwan’s regional connectivity, making it easier for travelers to move between smaller communities and larger urban centers. This is particularly important for the local economy, as it enables businesses to operate more efficiently and tourists to access a wider range of destinations.

The introduction of the new ATR 72-600s will have a significant impact on local communities across Taiwan. By expanding its fleet and modernizing its aircraft, UNI Air is ensuring that it can meet the growing demand for air travel while maintaining high levels of service quality. This expansion will also support job creation within the airline, both in terms of flight crews and ground staff, as well as in the wider aviation sector, including maintenance and support services.

Moreover, the airline’s continued focus on regional connectivity will benefit smaller communities that rely on reliable air service for access to essential goods, services, and opportunities. UNI Air’s role in linking these communities to the broader transport network helps ensure that Taiwan remains a connected and integrated country, where opportunities for economic growth and development are accessible to all.

EVA Air’s UNI Air has ordered 19 ATR 72-600 aircraft to enhance travel services across Taiwan, marking a significant fleet expansion. This upgrade will improve operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and elevate the passenger experience, strengthening UNI Air’s regional connectivity.

UNI Air’s firm order for 19 new ATR 72-600 aircraft is a major milestone in the airline’s strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its operations. With improved fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced passenger comfort, these aircraft will enable UNI Air to strengthen its position in the competitive regional aviation market. The airline’s investment in new aircraft reflects its commitment to providing sustainable, reliable, and efficient air services, which will have a positive impact on Taiwan’s local economy, tourism, and broader transportation network. Through this fleet expansion, UNI Air is not only enhancing its operations but also contributing to the growth and development of Taiwan as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region’s aviation industry.