Mandarin Airlines, the regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines, has reinforced its commitment to sustainable domestic air travel with a new ATR 72-600 aircraft order.
The airline announced today a firm order for one additional ATR 72-600, further solidifying its partnership with ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft.
This latest agreement comes on the heels of a significant order the carrier placed at the 2023 Paris Air Show. Mandarin Airlines committed to six ATR 72-600 regional turboprop aircraft.
ATR 72-600 Delivery Schedule
The timing of this new acquisition is strategic. ATR will deliver the aircraft in the first quarter of 2026 to meet the airline’s increased demand during peak travel seasons.
The order represents a continuation of Mandarin Airlines’ fleet modernization efforts. Three of the six aircraft from the previous order have already been integrated into the airline’s operations.
The remaining three are set for delivery in the latter half of 2025. This latest addition will bring Mandarin Airlines’ ATR 72-600 fleet to an impressive total of 13 aircraft.
Deployment to Domestic Operations
Operating primarily from its hub at Taipei Songshan Airport, Mandarin Airlines plays a crucial role in Taiwan’s domestic air network. The carrier provides essential connections to eight key destinations across the country. This includes the outlying islands of Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu.
These air links are vital for ensuring consistent and reliable access to goods and services. The carrier supports transportation for both residents and businesses in these areas.
Moreover, they play a significant role in stimulating economic growth and fostering social integration across Taiwan’s diverse regions.
Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of Mandarin Airlines, gave comment on the fleet expansion. “The addition of this new ATR 72-600 underscores our confidence in ATR as the preferred platform to serve Taiwan’s domestic markets responsibly.”
“The turboprop’s exceptional fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and reliability make it the perfect choice. It will strengthen our current routes and allow us to explore new services.”
“This investment will further stimulate the local economy and tourism sector across Taiwan. This aligns with our commitment to sustainable regional development.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, commended Mandarin Airlines’ continued trust in ATR’s products. “For the past seven years, Mandarin Airlines has been consistently unlocking new opportunities for Taiwanese communities in a responsible and cost-effective manner.”
“We are grateful for their continued trust in ATR’s capabilities, which stands as a testament to the relevance of our product for their operations. ATR is strongly committed to providing Mandarin Airlines with continuous support, ensuring reliable and profitable operations long into the future.”
Summary
ATR designed the 72-600 with exceptional fuel efficiency and adaptability to various runway conditions, making it an ideal choice for Taiwan’s diverse landscape.
This latest order strengthens Mandarin Airlines’ capability to serve its existing route network more efficiently. It opens up possibilities for expanding services to new destinations, potentially boosting connectivity and economic opportunities across the island.
As Taiwan continues to prioritize sustainable tourism and regional development, Mandarin Airlines’ investment in modern, efficient aircraft like the ATR 72-600 is a major drawcard.
This strategic fleet expansion will significantly support Taiwan’s domestic air travel needs while minimizing environmental impact.
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