Mandarin Airlines officially started services on March 26th, providing air transportation between Matsu and the main island of Taiwan, with one round-trip every day. In the past, Uni Air was the sole provider for the direct flight from Taipei to Nangan. Travelers often failed to get tickets, which caused changes in many itineraries! Starting on March 26th, Mandarin Airlines joined the air service to increase service capacity. Travelers now have an additional airline option for the flight between Taipei and Nangan.
Currently, the Mandarin Airlines flight departs from Taipei Songshan Airport at 10:30 A.M. and arrives at Matsu Nangan Airport at 11:30 A.M. The flight leaves again from Nangan Airport at 12:20 P.M. and arrives at Songshan Airport at 13:15 P.M., which is convenient for people returning home from business or tourism travels. Travelers who need to fly to and from Matsu can book their flights through Mandarin Airlines’ customer service hotline 412-8008 (please add 02 for mobile phones), on the official website: www.mandarin-airlines.com or using the mobile app.
As for sea transportation, the original Taima Ferry is old and has difficulty handling the large amount of sea transportation services between Matsu and Keelung. The Executive Yuan approved the "Purchase and Construction of New Taima Ferry Project" in 2009. After her maiden voyage on April 16th, the "New Taima" will first serve the Nangan-Dongyin route and support the Taiwan-Matsu route during the Taima Star weekly maintenance.
The "New Taima" is scheduled to start the maritime transportation between the main island of Taiwan and Matsu's blue highway on June 1st. It will officially replace the Taima Ferry as the main transportation asset of the Taiwan-Matsu route, marking a new milestone for Matsu maritime transportation. From the cabin rooms to the barrier-free facilities, its design is comparable to that of a luxury liner.
The single Premium VIP cabin on the ferry is equipped with a double bed, flat-screen TV, and its own private bathroom. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking ocean view through the window during the journey.
The "New Taima" is made in Japan, its cabin color scheme is blue and white, and the bathrooms are equipped with electronic bidets. The entire ferry is 101.5 meters in length and weighs 5,341 tons. The maximum sail speed is 21.6 knots (approximately 40 kilometers per hour). The maximum passenger capacity is 642. It can also carry 45 passenger cars and four 20-foot refrigerator/freezer-capable truck trailers at the same time. New Taima is also the first ship in Taiwan with complete barrier-free facilities on board.
With the addition of Mandarin Airlines and New Taima Ferry, there are more options for traveling between Matsu and the main island of Taiwan, adding a refreshing new look into the transportation between Taiwan and Matsu. Whether you choose to travel through the clouds by flying, or travel on the waves by sailing and enjoy advanced equipment and luxurious cabins, the comfort of the journey between Taiwan and Matsu will be greatly enhanced
