Mandarin Airlines Operates Final Taipei - Kaohsiung Domestic Service

Mandarin Airlines today (31AUG12) operates final Taipei Song Shan - Kaohsiung service, which marks the end of air traffic service between Taiwan’s capital and second largest city. This route was once known as the goldmine route in Taiwan's domestic market when it peaked in 1997, with up to 89 daily flights on weekdays, 98 on weekends.

The improved ground transportation system such as the completion of second highway as well as the introduction of highspeed railway in 2000s impacted the air traffic service for Taiwan's Western corridor, which saw Taipei - Taichung, Taipei - Tainan, Taipei - Chiayi and Taipei - Pingtung ended in the last 5 years.

Mandarin's operational schedule until 31AUG12:

AE275 TSA1950 – 2040KHH E90 57
AE277 TSA2100 – 2150KHH E90 7

AE256 KHH0650 – 0740TSA E90 1
AE276 KHH2010 – 2100TSA E90 57

Sister site Airline Route on 23JUL12 produced a short report on the operational schedules for this route during its peak in June 1997.