Airline Chronological History
Tigerair Taiwan (臺灣虎航) (Hǔháng) is a Taiwanese low-cost airline based at Taoyuan International Airport. It was formed as a joint venture between China Airlines Group (80%), Mandarin Airlines (10%) and Tiger Airways Holdings (10%).
In 2017, China Airlines acquired the 10% shares held by Budget Aviation Holdings after Tigerair Singapore merged with Scoot. Tigerair Taiwan is the only low cost airline in Taiwan following the collapse of TransAsia Airways and V Air in 2016 and also the only airline left with Tigerair branding, after Tigerair Australia ceased operations in March 2020.
To understand the history of the Taiwanese low cost airline (LLC) we have to go back to 2013, when China Airlines and Transasia Airways became the first Taiwanese carriers to express interest in forming an LCC. The further reduction in entry barriers by the Civil Aeronautics Administration made it favorable for the creation of LCCs.
In December 2013 China Airlines created a new joint venture with Singaporean low-cost carrier Tigerair to establish Tigerair Taiwan. As part of the deal, China Airlines would hold a 90 percent share in the new carrier with Tiger Airways Holdings owning the other 10 percent. In March 2014, China Airlines subsidiary Mandarin Airlines took over 10% of its parent company's share in Tigerair Taiwan.
In September 2014, Tigerair Taiwan received an Air Operator's Certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The airline then commenced operations on 26 September 2014, with the first flight being from Taoyuan International Airport to Changi Airport with an Airbus A320.
Tiger Airways commenced operations on 26 September 2014, with the first flight from Taipei Airport (TPE) to Changi Airport (SIN) with an Airbus A320. (Photo: Planespotters.net) The airline aimed to introduce a true low-cost model to Taiwan’s aviation market, which had traditionally been dominated by full-service airlines. Shortly afterward the first flight to Singapore, the airline began expanding its network to Japan, Macau, and other destinations in Northeast and Southeast Asia. The carrier initially operated two Airbus A320-200 aircraft configured in an all-economy layout, providing a standardized and cost-efficient fleet.
During its first years of operation, Tigerair Taiwan concentrated on building a strong network linking Taiwan with major leisure and business destinations throughout Asia. Japan quickly became one of the airline’s most important markets due to strong tourism demand between Taiwan and Japanese cities. The airline launched services from Taipei to Tokyo Narita, Osaka Kansai, Okinawa Naha, Fukuoka, and other Japanese destinations. It also expanded into South Korea with routes to Seoul Incheon and Busan while strengthening connections to Macau and Thailand.
As passenger numbers increased, the airline steadily added more Airbus A320 aircraft, allowing it to increase frequencies and open additional routes. The low-cost carrier model proved successful among Taiwanese travellers seeking affordable travel options, particularly to nearby destinations within four to five hours of flying time.
During the first few years, Tigerair expanded dramatically with many routes from Taiwan to Japan, Korea, Macau and Thailand, all flying the Airbus A320. (Photo: Planespotters.net) A significant corporate development occurred in 2016 when Singapore Airlines and the Tigerair Group underwent restructuring. Following the merger of Tigerair Singapore into Scoot, China Airlines increased its ownership stake in Tigerair Taiwan. On 14 December 2016, China Airlines completed the acquisition of the remaining shares, making Tigerair Taiwan a wholly owned subsidiary of China Airlines. Despite the ownership change, the airline retained the Tigerair Taiwan brand and continued operating under its established low-cost business model. The acquisition provided greater strategic flexibility and enabled closer coordination between Tigerair Taiwan and China Airlines while maintaining distinct market positions.
Between 2016 and 2019, Tigerair Taiwan entered a period of rapid growth. Additional Airbus A320 aircraft joined the fleet, enabling expansion beyond Taipei into other Taiwanese cities. The airline developed operations from Kaohsiung International Airport and later Taichung International Airport, providing passengers in central and southern Taiwan with direct international services. New Japanese destinations were added, including Sendai, Asahikawa, Hakodate, Oita, Saga, Miyazaki, and various seasonal routes serving regional airports.
The airline developed operations from Kaohsiung International Airport in 2015 with Airbus A320 (pictured) and later Taichung International Airport in 2017. (Photo: Planespotters.net) The carrier became particularly well known for opening niche routes to secondary Japanese cities, helping stimulate tourism in both directions. During this period, the airline also expanded services to South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Macau. By the end of the decade, it had established itself as an important competitor in the East Asian low-cost market.
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges beginning in early 2020. International travel restrictions imposed by Taiwan and neighbouring countries resulted in the suspension of most passenger services. Like many airlines worldwide, Tigerair Taiwan faced a dramatic decline in passenger demand and was forced to suspend numerous routes. However, the airline adapted by operating cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft and maintaining essential services where permitted.
Tigerair Taiwan benefited from the support of its parent company, China Airlines, allowing it to navigate the pandemic period without major fleet reductions.
A major milestone in fleet development occurred when Tigerair Taiwan committed to fleet modernization through the Airbus A320neo family. In August 2021, the airline received its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, representing a new generation of more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. Deliveries of additional A320neo aircraft continued thereafter, gradually supplementing and eventually replacing older aircraft within the fleet.
In August 2021, the airline received its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, representing a new generation of more fuel-efficient aircraft. (Photo: Planespotters.net) As travel restrictions gradually eased during 2022 and 2023, Tigerair Taiwan emerged as one of the most aggressive carriers in rebuilding international services from Taiwan. The airline restored routes to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Macau, and Southeast Asia while introducing new destinations. Additional services were launched from Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, further strengthening the carrier’s domestic airport presence.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, the airline continued expanding its route map, particularly in Japan, where it served numerous cities ranging from major metropolitan hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to smaller regional airports. South Korea remained another key focus area, with services to Seoul and other destinations attracting both leisure and business travellers. Passenger numbers recovered strongly, and Tigerair Taiwan strengthened its position as Taiwan’s largest low-cost airline by market share.
In July 2025, Tigerair Taiwan received its latest new Airbus A320neo with the new Terminal 3 at Taipei in construction behind. (Photo: Planespotters.net) The airline has also invested in digital technologies, ancillary revenue products, and partnerships with tourism organizations became increasingly important components of its business strategy. Cooperation with China Airlines enabled passengers to access a broader range of travel options while maintaining the low-cost structure that distinguished Tigerair Taiwan from traditional network carriers. The airline also participated in promotional campaigns supporting inbound tourism to Taiwan.
Looking toward the future, Tigerair Taiwan plans to continue expanding both its fleet and route network. The airline is expected to receive additional Airbus A320neo-family aircraft over the coming years. These aircraft will support increased frequencies on popular routes while enabling the launch of new services across Northeast and Southeast Asia.
The airline has repeatedly indicated its intention to strengthen operations from Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, providing greater connectivity across Taiwan. As demand for leisure travel continues to grow and Taiwan’s aviation sector expands, Tigerair Taiwan is expected to remain a key player in the regional low-cost market, using its modern Airbus fleet and strong brand recognition to pursue further growth throughout the late 2020s and beyond.
The airline has indicated its intention to strengthen operations from Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, providing greater connectivity across Taiwan. Tigerair Taiwan is expected to remain a key player in the regional low-cost market, to pursue further growth throughout the late 2020s and beyond. (Photo: tigerairtw.com)
Airline Factual Information
Tigerair Taiwan, the low-cost carrier based out of Taiwan, has two major bases in Taiwan, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).
It operates exclusively as an international airline and therefore flies to no domestic destinations within Taiwan.
Instead it operates from four main departure airports within Taiwan including Taipei Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan.
As of 2026, Tigerair Taiwan operates a robust network focusing primarily on Northeast and Southeast Asia, flying to approximately 30 international destinations across 6 different countries and territories.
Tigerair Taiwan flies to the following destinations*:
Here is the table displaying Tigerair Taiwan's destinations sourced directly from Wikipedia, organized by geographic region with the domestic departure airports placed in the second row as an exception.
Region 🗺️
Destinations 🌍🌎🌏
Taiwan
• Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei (no internal domestic flights)
Northeast Asia
• Japan: Akita, Asahikawa, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Hakodate, Hanamaki, Ibaraki, Komatsu, Kōchi, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagoya, Naha, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Osaka, Saga, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo • South Korea: Busan, Daegu, Jeju, Seoul
Southeast Asia
• Philippines: Kalibo, Puerto Princesa • Thailand: Phuket • Vietnam: Da Nang, Phu Quoc
*Updated June 2026
Tigerair Taiwan operates an all Airbus fleet for all its flights. Since 2021, it has added the newer Airbus A320neo and continues to receive more units of this aircraft to expand its fleet as now it operates 17 Airbus A320 family aircraft.
New aircraft on order comprise the A321neo, which would be the first bigger aircraft to be operated by Tigerair Taiwan, with deliveries pending to be announced.
Currently the airline operates the following aircraft*:
Aircraft Type
In Service
On Order
Configuration (F, C, P, Y)
Airbus A320-200
9
—
(Y) 3-3
Airbus A320neo
8
7
(Y) 3-3
Airbus A321neo
—
15
(Y) 3-3
*Updated June 2026
Reviews and comments ⭐
What Stands Out 😀👍 | Needs Improvement 🫤👎 |
✅ Great Value for Money: Passengers frequently highlight that ticket prices are highly competitive and affordable, making the airline an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers on short-haul routes. | 👎 Unforgiving Baggage Enforcement: A major source of frustration is the exceptionally rigid 10kg carry-on weight limit, with travellers reporting steep, unexpected fees at the gate for bags that exceeded limits or dimensions by just a fraction. |
✅ Friendly and Professional Crew: Cabin crew members are regularly praised for being polite, energetic, efficient with onboard service, and highly attentive to pre-flight safety checks. | 👎 Tight Cabin Seating: Many taller or broader passengers note that the seat pitch is notably cramped, making flights longer than three hours feel physically uncomfortable due to minimal legroom. |
✅ Punctual Operations: Reviewers often commend the airline for its reliable scheduling, noting that flights frequently depart on time or even land a few minutes ahead of schedule. | 👎 Hidden Fees and Strict Policies: Minor booking changes, pre-ordering hot food, or missing the strict 4-hour window to purchase checked luggage online often results in massive price markups and non-refundable penalties. |
✅ Hot Pre-Ordered Meals: Travelers who opt to purchase in-flight dining options note that the Taiwanese-style meals are served piping hot, flavourful, and better in quality compared to other low-cost carriers. | 👎 Inflexible Customer Service: Passengers note that when flights are delayed or disrupted due to weather events like typhoons, customer service channels and ground staff offer limited options or lack transparency regarding refunds. |
*Reviews are collected from independent sites and compelled by the most representative reviews and comments. Planet Airlines Ltd remains impartial to any airlines.