Mandarin Airlines takes first ATR 72-600 in regional fleet expansion

Taiwanese carrier Mandarin Airlines took delivery of the first of three ATR 72-600 Nov. 24 on long-term lease from Singapore-based lessor Avation. The turboprop aircraft, in a single-class, 70-seat configuration, will operate on Taiwan’s domestic network, which ATR has described as a competitive, highly challenging market. Mandarin Airlines is a regional subsidiary of Taiwanese flag carrier China Airlines. “With ATR 72-600s joining the fleet, Mandarin Airlines will significantly increase the flight frequencies on each domestic route and then introduce some potential new sectors afterwards,” Mandarin Airlines president Jenny Tsao said. “The ATR 72-600 contributes to increased flight frequencies … for example, three to five daily flights instead of one to two daily currently. Intensive flight frequency is a main goal as we introduce ATRs into our market.” ATR indicated it is also willing to provide engineering and technical support to China Airlines and its subsidiaries to set up in-house capabilities for ATR heavy maintenance, up to C checks.<br/>