About AE
Mandarin Airlines, operating under the IATA code AE, is a regional carrier based in Taiwan with a network built around the island's domestic corridors and a handful of carefully chosen international connections. With 34 non-stop routes spread across 14 airports, this isn't an airline trying to be everything to everyone — it's a specialist, threading together Taiwan's main cities and offshore islands while reaching into China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Kaohsiung International (KHH) anchors the operation alongside Taipei's Songshan Airport (TSA), giving the airline a dual foothold in Taiwan's two largest urban centers.
Why fly AE?
The honest case for flying AE comes down to access. If you're trying to move between Taiwan's major hubs without the detour of a larger international airport, Mandarin's network does something few carriers bother with — it treats domestic Taiwanese travel as a serious product. The six routes out of KHH alone give southern Taiwan residents genuine options, and the four routes from Shalu (RMQ) serve a region that larger airlines tend to overlook. For travelers curious about that longest route — RMQ to Saigon's Tan Son Nhat at 2,099 kilometers — it's a genuinely useful connection that saves you from backtracking through Taipei. The airline's regional focus also tends to mean shorter check-in queues and airports where the chaos is manageable.
AE hub airports
- KHH Kaohsiung — 6 AE routes from Taiwan
- TSA Taipei — 6 AE routes from Taiwan
- RMQ Shalu — 4 AE routes from Taiwan
- KNH Kinmen — 3 AE routes from Taiwan
- MZG Magong — 3 AE routes from Taiwan
Top destination countries on AE
- Taiwan — 28 AE routes
- China — 4 AE routes
- Hong Kong SAR — 1 AE routes
- Viet Nam — 1 AE routes
Tips for booking AE
Book directly through Mandarin's website if you're combining domestic Taiwan legs, since third-party platforms don't always surface all available connections cleanly. KNH, the Kinmen hub, serves an island with real military history and limited flight options, so if that's your destination, flexibility on dates matters more than chasing the cheapest fare. The total network spans just over 14,000 kilometers, which tells you this is a short-to-medium-haul operation — pack accordingly and don't expect the amenities of a long-haul carrier. First-time flyers should check baggage allowances carefully on the China routes, as cross-strait regulations can complicate assumptions you'd make on domestic bookings.
Frequently asked questions about AE
Where does AE (AE) fly?
AE operates 34 routes primarily serving Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong SAR, making it a carrier focused on East Asian destinations.
What is AE's main hub airport?
AE's main hub is Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) in Taiwan, which serves as the primary connection point for its network.
Is AE a legacy carrier, low-cost carrier, or regional airline?
Based on its network of 34 routes concentrated in East Asia, AE operates as a regional carrier serving shorter and medium-haul routes within the Asia-Pacific region.
When should I book flights with AE and what fare classes are available?
For the best fares, book 4-6 weeks in advance for regional flights. AE typically offers multiple fare classes with varying inclusions for flexibility and budget options.
What are AE's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route; we recommend checking AE's official website or contacting their customer service for specific details on your booking.