Mandarin Airlines, the regional subsidiary of Taiwan flag carrier China Airlines, and the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of a firm order for six ATR 72-600 to be delivered from end 2023 through to 2025. The turboprops will join the airline’s existing fleet of nine ATR 72-600 to serve the demand of the Taiwanese market.

With its main base in the Taipei Songshan airport, Mandarin Airlines operates a domestic network and provides essential connectivity to eight destinations, including the islands of Kinmen, Magong, and more recently Matsu. Mandarin Airlines also serves regional destinations in Asia and China.

“Expanding our ATR fleet will enable us to add capacity on existing routes and create new services to continue stimulating the local economy and tourism across Taiwan with the lowest emission regional aircraft”, said Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of Mandarin Airlines. “The unbeatable fuel efficiency of the ATR 72-600, further reinforced by the new PW127XT engine certified for 50% SAF blend, along with its versatility and comfort, make it possible for us to offer our passengers comfortable, reliable, affordable and responsible air services.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “Since they introduced ATRs in their fleet in 2017, Mandarin Airlines have been able to increase flight frequencies on existing routes, opening up new opportunities for their communities affordably and responsibly. The airline’s renewed confidence is the most gratifying testimony of the value that our aircraft bring to their operations and a great sign of rebound of the Asian market.”

ATR release