Mandarin Airlines logo

Taiwan

Mandarin AirlinesAE

IATA Code

AE

ICAO Code

MDA

Country
Taiwan
Routes

64

Last updated: January 27, 2025

About

Mandarin Airlines is a Taiwanese regional carrier founded in 1991 and wholly owned by China Airlines. Headquartered in Taipei, the airline operates as China Airlines' regional subsidiary, focusing on domestic Taiwan routes and short-haul international services to destinations across Northeast Asia.

As a China Airlines subsidiary, Mandarin Airlines benefits from SkyTeam affiliation, allowing passengers to earn and redeem Dynasty Flyer miles on all flights. The airline distinguishes itself through its focus on regional connectivity, operating smaller Embraer E190 and ATR 72 aircraft suited to Taiwan's shorter domestic routes and regional island-hopping services.

Mandarin Airlines serves as a feeder network for China Airlines' international hub at Taipei Taoyuan, connecting smaller Taiwanese cities with the carrier's global route network. The airline operates approximately 30 daily flights during peak periods, making it an essential part of Taiwan's domestic aviation infrastructure.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Airports where Mandarin Airlines operates 5+ routes

Network

25 airports served

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Observed Flights

Callsigns tracked for Mandarin Airlines (MDA) - 35 unique callsigns observed

Callsigns with confirmed departure and arrival airports

Baggage Policy

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

  • Handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase
  • Must fit under the seat in front of you
  • Assistive devices and outer garments do not count

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

  • Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
  • Weight limits vary by cabin class:
Cabin Class Weight Limit
Economy 7 kg (15 lbs)
Business 10 kg (22 lbs)

Note: Weight limits are strictly enforced at check-in and boarding. Pack carefully for short domestic flights.

Checked Baggage

Domestic Routes (within Taiwan):

Cabin Class Bags Included Weight per Bag
Economy 1 bag 20 kg (44 lbs)
Business 2 bags 32 kg (70 lbs)

Regional International Routes:

Cabin Class Bags Included Weight per Bag
Economy 1 bag 23 kg (50 lbs)
Business 2 bags 32 kg (70 lbs)

Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 158 cm maximum (length + width + height)

Elite Status Benefits

Dynasty Flyer elite benefits apply on Mandarin Airlines flights:

Dynasty Flyer Tier Extra Free Bags
Gold +1 bag
Emerald +1 bag
Paragon +2 bags

Special Items

Item Policy
Golf clubs Standard bag fee, counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/Snowboard Standard bag fee, counts as 1 checked bag
Car seat Free
Stroller Free, gate-check available
Wheelchair Free
Musical instruments Cabin: if fits overhead or buy seat. Checked: hard case required

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at mandarin-airlines.com before traveling.

In-Flight Experience

Mandarin Airlines operates a streamlined fleet focused on regional efficiency, with service standards aligned with parent company China Airlines.

Business Class

Embraer E190:

  • 2-2 configuration in dedicated forward cabin
  • 8 Business Class seats
  • 38" seat pitch with additional recline
  • Complimentary meal service on international routes
  • Priority boarding and dedicated overhead bins

Economy Class

Embraer E190:

  • 2-2 configuration throughout
  • 92 seats
  • 32" seat pitch
  • 18" seat width
  • Comfortable for short-haul regional flights

ATR 72-600:

  • 2-2 configuration
  • 70 seats
  • Standard regional economy pitch
  • Turboprop aircraft ideal for short domestic hops

Food & Beverage

  • Domestic flights: Complimentary beverage service; snacks on longer routes
  • International flights: Light meal service included
  • Business Class: Enhanced meal service on regional international routes
  • No inflight entertainment screens (flight times typically under 90 minutes)

WiFi & Entertainment

  • No WiFi or seatback entertainment (short flight durations)
  • Bring your own entertainment for flights
  • Reading materials provided in seat pockets

Tips & Tricks

Booking

  • Book directly through mandarin-airlines.com or china-airlines.com for best service
  • Dynasty Flyer members should ensure account is linked for mile earning
  • SkyTeam partner programs (Delta, Air France-KLM) can book award flights

At the Airport

  • TSA is small and efficient - arrive 90 minutes before domestic, 2 hours before international
  • Dynasty Lounge available at TSA for Gold+ members
  • MRT Green Line connects TSA to central Taipei in 20 minutes
  • Limited food options airside at domestic terminal

On Board

  • ATR 72 flights are short (30-45 minutes) - limited service time
  • Window seats offer views of Taiwan's dramatic coastline
  • Bring headphones for your own entertainment
  • Embraer E190 more comfortable for regional international routes

Connecting Flights

  • Mandarin Airlines primarily connects to China Airlines' hub at TPE
  • Allow minimum 3 hours when connecting TSA domestic to TPE international
  • Transfer between airports requires taxi/bus (approximately 40-60 minutes)
  • In-town check-in at Taipei Main Station available for China Airlines connections

Common Issues

  • Offshore island routes (KNH, MZG) frequently delayed or cancelled in bad weather
  • Book flexible fares for winter travel to islands
  • Carry-on weight limits strictly enforced - weigh bags before arrival
  • No meal pre-order for domestic routes

Earning Status