Mandarin Airlines vs Xiamen Airlines (XiamenAir)

Global Network and Operations

Mandarin Airlines operates a robust regional network predominantly across East Asia, connecting Taiwan to key destinations such as China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Its fleet primarily consists of Embraer E-Jets and ATR turboprops, optimized for short- to medium-haul routes. Mandarin Airlines is a subsidiary of China Airlines, contributing to the group's domestic and regional services with a focus on business and leisure travelers.
• Operates scheduled flights to over 30 destinations in Taiwan, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• Maintains a fleet size of approximately 26 aircraft, including Embraer E-190 and ATR 72 models.
• Provides feeder services that complement China Airlines’ long-haul network.
• Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan with operations focused at Taipei Songshan Airport.

Innovation and Milestones

Since its founding in 1991, Mandarin Airlines has marked several important achievements in regional aviation:
• Pioneered regional jet use within Taiwan’s domestic and cross-strait markets with Embraer E-Jets.
• Implemented modern digital booking systems integrated with China Airlines’ platform.
• Upgraded in-flight services including enhanced meal options and in-flight entertainment on select aircraft.
• Maintained a strong safety record with rigorous operational standards and comprehensive pilot training.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Mandarin Airlines offers a comfortable travel experience with cabin classes including Economy and Business on select flights. The airline focuses on providing attentive service, efficient check-in, and timely operations. It has been recognized locally for its reliability and customer care, serving as a preferred carrier for short-haul regional travel within East Asia.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Mandarin Airlines plans to expand its route network further into Greater China and Southeast Asia to capture growing demand. Investment in fleet modernization and digital customer engagement tools is expected to enhance operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The airline remains committed to sustainability initiatives aligned with China Airlines Group's environmental goals.

Overview

Xiamen Airlines, branded XiamenAir, is a Chinese airline based in Xiamen, Fujian. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 25 July 1984 and was the first airline in China to operate independently as an enterprise. China Southern Airlines owns 51%. XiamenAir is a member of SkyTeam. Its subsidiaries include Hebei Airlines and Jiangxi Airlines.

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Xiamen and Fuzhou, with Beijing–Daxing and Hangzhou as secondary hubs. Focus cities include Changsha, Chongqing, Quanzhou, Shanghai–Hongqiao, Tianjin and Yinchuan. SkyTeam lists about 101 destinations in 18 countries and roughly 590 daily departures. The network covers China, Southeast and Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Routes Online reports a planned first Africa route, Xiamen–Addis Ababa, using a Boeing 787-8.

Fleet

Wikipedia and SkyTeam give a fleet of 172 aircraft, with an average age of about six years per SkyTeam. Routes Online quotes a larger figure of 220 aircraft, which appears to use a different basis. Long-haul flying uses Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft (10 in total, according to Routes Online). The rest of the fleet is Boeing narrow-body aircraft, including the 737 MAX per Wikidata. Check the airline for current counts.

On board

Business and Economy cabins are offered. Economy fares are sold in several brands: Light, Standard, Comfort and Flex. Some domestic flights have a First Class cabin. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details were not confirmed from the sources reviewed and vary by aircraft and route.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: one bag up to 5 kg and 55x25x35 cm, according to XiamenAir. First Class passengers may carry two items on domestic flights.
• Checked baggage: on the same page, Business allows 2 x 32 kg and Economy 2 x 23 kg on the routes listed. Domestic allowances are lower (20 kg in Economy) and international allowances depend on the fare brand.
• Excess baggage: the baggage page lists fees for extra pieces, for example CNY 1,400 for a first additional 23 kg piece on the route group shown.
• Lounges: Plaza Premium lounge access applies to Business Class passengers and to Egret Gold and Silver cardholders.
• Loyalty: the programme is Egret Miles, and SkyTeam elite status gives extra baggage allowance.