Commuter Manufacturer Digests Business From Paris

ATR finalized a deal to sell 6 ATR 72-600s to a regional subsidiary of Taiwanese operator China Airlines, with deliveries planned through 2025.

The turboprops will join the airline's current fleet of 9 ATR 72-600s, operating out of Mandarin Airlines' home base at the Taipe Songshan Airport. The line operates under the Taiwanese flag carrier to provide essential connections to 8 smaller airports in the outlying regions of the island, like Kinmen, Magong, and Matsu. Mandarin Airlines has also extended its network to 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.”

FMI: www.atr-aircraft.com