Fewer mainland tourists coming to Taiwan? Really? Air China switches to smaller aircraft on Beijing-Taipei route

▲ Air China. (Photo / From Air China’s Facebook fan page)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

With Tsai Ing-wen about to assume the presidency, there have been ongoing rumors that the mainland "intends" to reduce the number of mainland tourists visiting Taiwan. Coincidentally,China's largest state-owned airline, Air China, has recently confirmed that starting from July this year, it will replace the A330-300 aircraft on the Taipei–Beijing golden route with a 737-800 model.The reduction in passenger capacity by 143 seats — nearly 50% fewer seats, effectively halving the capacity — has led netizens to question: “Are mainland tourists really going to be reduced?” and “Is there really going to be a decline in mainland tourists?” However, Air China has denied these claims.

According to statistics from the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Air China’s Taipei–Beijing route operated 112 flights (56 round trips) in January this year, with an average load factor of 87.1%, indicating strong passenger demand. The A330-300 aircraft used on the route can carry 308 passengers, with a three-class cabin layout including business class, premium economy, and economy class. Unexpectedly, the airline is now switching to a 737-800 aircraft, which can only accommodate 165 passengers. Could this be an anticipatory move due to expectations of a significant decline in mainland tourists visiting Taiwan?

Industry insiders noted that airlines typically switch from larger to smaller planes only when load factors are poor, and it is unheard of to downsize aircraft on routes with over 80% load rates.

Air China Taiwan branch stated that the plan to change the aircraft typeis merely part of the company’s internal regular aircraft deployment planand is not related to any external speculation about policies reducing the number of mainland tourists. The policy on changing aircraft types is still under review and has not yet been finalized. Further announcements will be made once the adjustments are officially confirmed.