Airlines Mandarin Airlines expands fleet with 6 ATR 72-600

ATR and Mandarin Airlines have both announced that a firm purchase agreement has been signed between the two parties. Mandarin Airlines, who is a regional subsidiary of Taiwan flag-carrier China Airlines, will use the aircraft to expand its network with new flights to new destinations. The airline is reacting to the ever-growing demand in air travel in the region.

The ATR 72-600 is the larger variant in the ATR 72 family and Mandarin expects the new aircraft to be joining the fleet between the end of 2023 and through to 2025. Mandarin Airlines already operates with nine ATR 72-600 to serve the Taiwanese market.

Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of Mandarin Airlines, commented: “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 […] 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.”

Mandarin Airlines operates a domestic network from its main operational base at Taipei Songshan Airport. The carrier provides essential connectivity to eight destinations like the islands of Kinmen, Magong, and more recently Matsu. Furthermore, other regional destinations in Asia and China are being served.

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.”

Mandarin Airlines was established in June 1991. A couple years ago, the airline also operated Boeing 737-800 and Embraer ERJ-190 to serve regional destinations. However, due to the COVID-pandemic, these aircraft left the fleet.