Global Aviation Operations flights and airline information

TransAsia Airways (IATA code: GE) is a historically significant carrier that became Taiwan's first private commercial airline. Founded in 1951, the company played a key role in regional connectivity in East Asia for a long time. At its peak, the carrier operated both domestic and international flights, linking the island with the mainland and neighboring states.

A significant portion of its transportation structure consisted of flights connecting important economic centers, such as Cape Town (according to operational data). Despite not being a member of global aviation alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam, the airline maintained the service standards of a classic carrier, offering passengers comfort aboard modern Airbus aircraft.

Key features of TransAsia Airways included a developed network of regional routes and an emphasis on operating efficient aircraft. The airline's fleet was dominated by narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321 models, as well as ATR 72 turboprop planes, which were ideal for short distances. This allowed the carrier to provide high flight frequency between key cities in the region.

Unfortunately, after a series of financial difficulties and incidents in 2014–2015, the company faced a serious crisis. In November 2016, the management of TransAsia Airways officially announced the cessation of all operations, and in 2018, the carrier was declared bankrupt. Today, the history of this airline remains an important milestone in the development of Taiwan's civil aviation.

Due to the fact that TransAsia Airways completely ceased its operations in 2016 and underwent bankruptcy proceedings, its official support services and sales offices are no longer functional. Below is historical and reference data:

• Official website — www.tna.com.tw (may currently be unavailable or no longer belong to the company).
• Phone — current hotline and call center numbers do not exist.
• Email — official email addresses for customer contact have been deactivated.
• Social media — official pages on Facebook and other networks have not been maintained since the company's liquidation.
• Mobile app — app support has been discontinued; installation and use for booking are not possible.
• Emergency support — baggage recovery and passenger assistance services at airports have been disbanded.

Historically, the headquarters of TransAsia Airways was located in the Neihu District of Taipei, Taiwan. For any legal or archival matters, it is recommended to contact official government registries in Taiwan. Please check for current information on active carriers, as TransAsia Airways contacts are no longer valid.

Please note that TransAsia Airways (GE) ceased flights in 2016. The information provided below is for reference purposes and describes the standards that were applied by the carrier during its active operational period.

Carry-on baggage: Passengers were allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage into the cabin. Standard requirements limited the weight of the bag to 7 kg, and its dimensions had to allow for storage in the overhead bin or under the seat. In addition to the main carry-on, passengers were permitted to take a handbag, laptop, or umbrella.

Checked baggage: As a full-service carrier, TransAsia Airways included baggage allowance in the cost of most fares. The norms depended on the class of service: in economy class, the standard limit was 20 kg, and in business class, up to 30 kg. On international flights, a weight system was applied, where the number of pieces was not always strictly limited as long as the total weight remained within the allowance.

Special baggage and prohibitions: Sports equipment (golf, surfing gear) and musical instruments were transported by prior arrangement. Flammable substances, toxic materials, and other dangerous goods were strictly prohibited for transport. For planning current trips, we strongly recommend following the rules of active airlines, as TransAsia Airways standards are no longer in effect.

Cabin and Cargo Hold Transportation

As of today, TransAsia Airways does not operate flights, so there are no current rules for transporting animals. Historically, as a regional carrier, the company adhered to international standards for transporting pets. Small animals (dogs, cats) could be allowed in the cabin in special soft carriers in exceptional cases, provided their weight including the container did not exceed established limits (usually 5–8 kg).

• Container requirements: The carrier had to have a rigid frame (for the cargo hold), a secure lock, and sufficient ventilation.
• Documentation: An international veterinary passport, a vaccination certificate (including rabies), and microchipping were required for the flight on international routes.

Restrictions and Recommendations

There were restrictions on the transportation of brachycephalic breeds (animals with flattened muzzles, such as pugs or Persian cats) due to an increased risk of breathing problems during the flight. Transportation could also be restricted during periods of extreme temperatures.

• Cost: Animal transportation was always paid for as excess baggage according to the airline's rates.
• Preparation: Owners were advised not to feed their pets 4–6 hours before departure and to accustom them to the container in advance.

Since the airline has been liquidated, to organize a trip with an animal, it is necessary to contact active carriers and clarify their current regulations.

TransAsia Airways Loyalty Program

Before ceasing its activities in 2016, TransAsia Airways offered its passengers a reward system aimed at frequent travelers in the Asian region. The program was designed to strengthen the loyalty of customers using both domestic flights within Taiwan and international destinations.

Membership Levels and Privileges

• Basic Level: Allowed members to start accumulating points for every flight taken and use the services of partners.
• Elite Statuses: Passengers with a high level of participation received access to premium airport lounges, priority check-in, and an additional free baggage allowance.

Accumulating and Using Miles

Miles were credited based on the route distance and the selected fare. Program participants could spend accumulated bonuses on:

• Issuing award tickets for TransAsia Airways flights.
• Upgrading the class of service from economy to business.
• Special offers from partner companies, including hotels and car rental services.

Currently, the loyalty program is completely closed. All accumulated miles and statuses were canceled following the company's bankruptcy in 2018. Using bonuses from this program for flights on modern airlines is not possible.

TransAsia Airways (GE) positioned itself as a regional carrier with a full range of onboard services. Passengers were offered various classes of service, which depended on the aircraft type and route distance. The fleet was primarily based on the Airbus A320 family, where the cabin configuration usually provided for business and economy classes.

In business class, travelers could expect wider seats with increased legroom, an enhanced menu with a choice of hot meals, and priority service. Economy class offered standard amenities, including soft drinks and light snacks on short flights or full meals on longer international routes. The onboard entertainment system was mainly presented in the form of shared screens or printed materials, as the company specialized in medium-duration flights.

Special services at TransAsia Airways included the option to order special meals (e.g., vegetarian) with advance booking. Support was also provided for passengers with reduced mobility and an escort service for children traveling without adults. It is important to note that since the cessation of the company's operations in 2016, all service standards have become part of history and are no longer supported.

The flight geography of TransAsia Airways (GE) covered key destinations in East and Southeast Asia, ensuring connectivity between Taiwan and the region's largest metropolises. The main link in its operational activities, according to the data provided, was Cape Town, which served as an important hub for distributing passenger flows.

The route network was designed to meet the needs of both business travelers and tourists. Significant destinations included Johannesburg and Durban, between which regular air service was maintained. Thanks to an efficient schedule and convenient connections, TransAsia Airways remained a popular carrier for regional travel for a long time.

Currently, booking tickets for TransAsia Airways flights is impossible, as the airline has been officially declared bankrupt and ceased all operations in 2016. However, for those interested in the company's history or looking for archival information, it is useful to know the principles by which the carrier operated.

Previously, the best time to buy tickets was considered to be 1.5–2 months before departure, when the airline offered the most favorable rates for international routes. Online registration typically opened 24 hours before the flight, allowing passengers to choose their seats for free and avoid airport queues. The company's mobile app also provided access to exclusive promotions for participants of local loyalty programs.

As of today, all websites offering "cheap tickets" on behalf of TransAsia Airways are invalid. The company's customer support is not functional, and no refunds or exchanges are processed for old tickets. To plan current travels across Asia and other regions, we recommend choosing active carriers whose operations are confirmed by international aviation authorities.

The history of TransAsia Airways (GE) began on May 21, 1951, when it was founded as the first private airline in Taiwan. In the first decades of its existence, the carrier focused on domestic flights, gradually becoming an important element of the island's transport system. Over time, the company entered the international arena, launching flights to Macau, South Korea, and other Asian countries, which solidified its reputation as a reliable regional operator.

Significant fleet development occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, when the core of the park consisted of modern Airbus A320 and ATR 72 liners. This allowed the airline to expand its flight geography and offer passengers a higher level of comfort. TransAsia Airways actively developed charter programs and sought to implement technological innovations to compete with state-owned carriers.

A turning point in the company's history came in 2014 and 2015, when two major aviation accidents occurred, resulting in loss of life. These tragic events dealt a crushing blow to the carrier's reputation and financial health. A sharp drop in demand and growing losses led to the airline suddenly announcing the suspension of all flights on November 21, 2016.

On November 22, 2016, the liquidation of the company was officially announced. Despite restructuring attempts, in June 2018, TransAsia Airways was declared bankrupt. The cessation of operations by one of the region's oldest carriers marked the end of a long journey for a company that had connected Taiwan to the world for over 60 years.