First budget carrier from mainland China to fly to Taiwan—Spring Airlines reportedly launches first flights to Taoyuan and Kaohsiung in August

▲ China’s low-cost airline Spring Airlines (Photo / sourced from)Spring Airlines fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Reports suggest that two private mainland Chinese airlines, Juneyao Airlines and Spring Airlines, are set to launch cross-strait routes in August. It is said that civil aviation authorities on both sides have approved direct flights between Shanghai Pudong and Kaohsiung, as well as Shanghai Pudong and Taoyuan. For Kaohsiung, both airlines are expected to operate three weekly flights each, with possible charter flights to other destinations such as Chiayi and Hualien.

%Muhoho airline offers maid flight attendants on Tokyo route (Photo / sourced from the internet)

Spring Airlines is currently the only low-cost airline in mainland China. According to information on its official website, the company was established in July 2005 and currently operates over 50 domestic routes. In 2010, it began offering services to Japan and Hong Kong, with business economy class seats available on its flights.

Juneyao Airlines is the youngest fleet in mainland China's aviation industry, with an average aircraft age of 2.5 years. The airline’s official website describes its positioning as a mid-to-high-end carrier targeting business, corporate, and business leisure travelers. Based at Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports, it was founded in September 2006 and currently operates 25 new A320 aircraft on over 40 domestic routes.

In 2003, mainland China opened up to new airlines, allowing private operators to enter the market. To date, only Juneyao Airlines and Spring Airlines, which follows the low-cost carrier (LCC) model, have managed to establish a solid foothold. During the 2008 financial crisis when the aviation industry struggled, these two private carriers were the only ones to break even.

▲ Juneyao Airlines (Photo / sourced from the internet)