Toulouse, November 24, 2017 – ATR today delivered the first of the nine ATR 72-600s to Mandarin Airlines. The ATR 72-600 will bring the regional subsidiary of Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines the highest standards of comfort alongside unbeatable economics. With the aircraft servicing its domestic routes Mandarin Airlines will benefit from the introduction of the market leading, versatile turboprop, allowing it to offer passengers a modern cabin with affordable prices. The ATR -600 series is a proven route opener, creating on average 100 new routes every year worldwide, and the aircraft will contribute to the expansion of regional connectivity across the island.
Besides the contract for the aircraft, ATR 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.
Commenting on the delivery, Jenny Tsao, President of Mandarin Airlines said: “The ATR 72–600 features several strengths, with fuel-efficiency as the major point. These enable Mandarin Airlines to operate domestic flights with higher efficiency and more profitability. 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. The ATR 72-600 contributes to increased flight frequencies so as to enhance passenger service, allowing passengers to benefit from, 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.”
Regarding the delivery, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer Christian Scherer stated: “It is always a special moment when we welcome a new operator into our fleet. After careful consideration of all alternatives Mandarin Airlines have chosen the best aircraft in regional aviation, the ATR – which is most gratifying. When this choice is made by a national flag carrier, namely China Airline’s Mandarin, we are all the more honoured.”
