China Airlines Group has deployed a newly delivered Airbus A321neo aircraft, registered as B-18135, to serve the aviation market in southern Taiwan. On September 13, 2026, subsidiary Mandarin Airlines launched the jet's operational service by flying an inaugural domestic route between Kaohsiung and Penghu. The new aircraft will primarily be assigned to China Airlines' international services originating from Kaohsiung, while also supporting domestic routes when needed.
To celebrate the inaugural flight of aircraft B-18135, airport authorities at both Kaohsiung and Penghu arranged traditional water cannon salutes upon the aircraft's arrival and departure. Mandarin Airlines also presented passengers on the maiden flight with limited-edition inaugural flight certificates to mark the entry of the next-generation aircraft into southern Taiwan.
China Airlines General Manager Chen Han-ming stated that the A321neo delivered to the group this year has officially entered operational service in southern Taiwan. Chen noted that after conducting warm-up flights on domestic routes, the aircraft will transition to operating international routes out of Kaohsiung, reinforcing the group's long-term commitment to southern regional passenger demand.
Mandarin Airlines General Manager Chuang Ming-che explained that the carrier currently uses the ATR 72-600 turboprop as its primary aircraft type for domestic operations. The airline completed its ATR 2.0 fleet expansion plan in the first half of 2026, bringing its active ATR turboprop fleet size to 13 aircraft.
In coordination with China Airlines Group's overall strategic footprint in southern Taiwan, Mandarin Airlines has formally initiated a plan to introduce two A321neo jetliners. Delivery of the two new aircraft is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, enabling Mandarin Airlines to expand its international regional network from Kaohsiung and boost overall market competitiveness.
