The present invention is a plasma cutting apparatus (A) configured such that a starting gas is switched to plasma gas at the stage when current is applied to an electrode provided to a plasma torch, and a plasma arc is produced at a preset current value on a material (B) to be cut, so as to extend the life of the electrode, wherein the apparatus is configured to have: a starting gas supply unit (2) having a starting gas solenoid valve (2b) provided with a starting gas supply source (2a) and a starting gas pipeline (2c); a plasma gas supply unit (3) having a plasma gas solenoid valve (3b) provided with a plasma gas supply source (3a) and a plasma gas pipeline (3c); a plasma gas connection part (8) for connecting the downstream-side end part of the starting gas supply unit and the downstream-side end part of the plasma gas supply unit; a gas pipeline part (5) for connecting the plasma gas connection part (8) and a torch body (1a); a flow retention member (4) provided to the gas pipeline part; and a control device (10) for controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valves, and controlling the flow retention member.