Mandarin Airlines, the regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s China Airlines, has placed a firm order with ATR for one additional ATR 72-600, reaffirming the airline’s strong confidence in ATR as the ideal platform for Taiwan’s domestic operations.
This strategic agreement follows swiftly after the airline’s order for six ATR 72-600 aircraft placed at last year’s Paris Air Show. The newly ordered aircraft is set to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 to meet peak season demand. Of the six previously ordered aircraft, three have already been delivered, with the remaining three expected in the third and fourth quarters of 2025.
The state-of-the-art turboprop will join Mandarin Airlines’ existing fleet of 12 ATR 72-600 aircraft. Operating mainly from its hub at Taipei Songshan Airport, Mandarin Airlines is a key player in Taiwan’s domestic air network, providing crucial connections to eight destinations, including the islands of Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu. These reliable air services ensure vital access to goods, services, and transportation, contributing to economic growth and social integration.
Mandarin Airlines Chairman, Kao Shing-Hwang, expressed enthusiasm for the fleet expansion, saying: “The addition of this new ATR 72-600 highlights our confidence in ATR as the ideal platform for serving Taiwan’s domestic markets responsibly. The turboprop’s outstanding fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and reliability make it the perfect choice to strengthen our current routes and explore new services that will further boost the local economy and tourism across Taiwan.”
ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, added: “Mandarin Airlines has consistently unlocked new opportunities for Taiwanese communities in a responsible and cost-effective way over the past seven years. We are grateful for their continued trust in ATR, which underscores the relevance of our product for their operations. We are committed to providing them with ongoing support, ensuring reliable and profitable operations for many years to come.”
