By KHT Staff. Images via UDN.
KAOHSIUNG — Mandarin Airlines (華信航空) is seeking approval to suspend its Kaohsiung–Hualien route, citing persistent losses and low passenger demand, according to company officials.
Chairman Chen Ta-chun (陳大鈞) said the route operates at an average load factor of around 20%, with annual losses estimated at approximately NT$70 million. “Continuing like this has no real meaning,” Chen said, adding that the airline hopes to reallocate capacity to higher-demand routes.
Domestic airfare prices have remained unchanged for 26 years, with current one-way tickets on the Kaohsiung–Hualien route priced at NT$2,329. Despite this, demand has remained weak, with Chen noting that rail travel offers a competitive alternative.
Rising fuel costs have further strained operations. Chen said fuel previously accounted for about 13% of total costs but has risen to 21% amid instability in the Middle East, contributing to projected company-wide losses of NT$600 million this year.
The airline currently operates one daily flight on the Kaohsiung–Hualien route and limited weekly service between Taichung and Hualien. Chen said both routes are loss-making, with some flights carrying fewer than 10 passengers.
By contrast, routes to outlying islands such as Kinmen and Matsu remain near capacity. Recent figures show load factors exceeding 90% on several of these routes, highlighting stronger demand.
Mandarin Airlines operates a fleet of 12 aircraft, with one additional plane expected to be delivered later this month. Chen said suspending underperforming routes would allow the airline to increase flights to destinations where demand is higher.
Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration said it is aware of the airline’s situation and will evaluate the proposal.
