Mandarin Airlines, the regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines, has ordered another ATR 72-600, continuing its investment in the fuel-efficient turboprop.
This latest order, announced Oct. 11, 2024, follows a larger order for six ATR 72-600s placed at the Paris Air Show last year, bringing the total recent orders to seven.
The new aircraft is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026, timed to meet peak season demand.
Mandarin Airlines currently operates a fleet of 12 ATR 72-600s, primarily from its hub at Taipei Songshan Airport, serving eight key domestic destinations, including Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu islands.
The airline emphasizes the importance of reliable air service in connecting these islands to essential goods, services, and fostering economic growth.
“The addition of this new ATR 72-600 underscores our confidence in ATR as the preferred platform to serve the island’s domestic markets responsibly,” said Mandarin Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang in a press release.
He highlighted the aircraft’s fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and reliability as key factors in the decision. The new aircraft will help strengthen current routes and potentially open new ones, further stimulating the local economy and tourism sector.
ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude expressed gratitude for Mandarin Airlines’ continued confidence in the ATR, stating their ongoing commitment to supporting the airline’s operations.
Three of the six aircraft from the previous order have already been delivered, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery in the latter half of 2025.
Mandarin Airlines, established in 1991, is majority-owned by China Airlines. In addition to its domestic network, the airline also leases narrow-body jets from China Airlines to serve destinations in Asia and China.
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