Thai Airways International vs Mandarin Airlines

Overview

Thai Airways International is the flag carrier of Thailand. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1960 as a joint venture with Scandinavian Airlines and began operating in its current form in 1988 after merging with Thai Airways Company. The Ministry of Finance holds 42.94% of the shares, and the airline is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its headquarters are in Chatuchak, Bangkok. Thai is a founding member of Star Alliance. Its regional subsidiary Thai Smile was merged back into the mainline carrier from 2023.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. As of January 2026 the airline served 51 international and 9 domestic destinations in 29 countries, with a network focused on Europe, Asia and Oceania. A return to North America is under discussion, according to Aviation A2Z (July 2026).

Fleet

Wikipedia lists a fleet of 80 aircraft as of January 2026, with a large order book (see the fleet page). In July 2026 Aviation A2Z reported a Boeing 787 fleet of 45 aircraft, including those on order. TTG Asia (25 September 2026) reports that long-haul flying will rely on the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787 family as older wide-bodies retire. It also reports that the Airbus A321neo fleet will grow from nine to 15 by the end of 2026, with a target of 32. The fleet is to be streamlined to four types, with a cabin overhaul planned for 2027.

On board

• Cabins: Royal Silk (business), Premium Economy and Economy, depending on aircraft. Royal First is listed in some baggage tables.
• Meals: Thai and international dishes, which vary by route and month. Pre-selection is available up to 72 hours before departure.
• Seat pitch, entertainment and Wi-Fi: not confirmed in the sources reviewed, and these vary by aircraft. Check the airline before booking.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: Thai's official page allows one hand-carry bag of up to 7 kg.
• Checked baggage: third-party sources such as HappyFares report a piece-based allowance for tickets issued from 25 November 2025 for travel from 2 March 2026. Economy Saver and Standard include 1 x 23 kg, and Royal Silk includes 2 x 32 kg. Older tickets keep the weight-based allowance. Check the official site for your fare.
• Punctuality: Cirium reported 79.29% on-time arrivals for June 2025.
• Lounges: Royal Orchid and Royal Silk lounges. The loyalty programme is Royal Orchid Plus.

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.