LIFT Airline
LIFT Airline is listed here as a Taiwanese low-cost carrier under the legal identity TransAsia Airways, formerly operating domestic and regional Asian routes from Taipei.
About LIFT Airline
The airline represented by the GE IATA code and TNA ICAO code was TransAsia Airways, a Taiwanese carrier founded in 1951. Originally established as Foshing Airlines, it later adopted the TransAsia name and developed into a privately owned regional airline. Although this directory listing uses the LIFT Airline name, its legal identity, operating codes, website and network details correspond to TransAsia Airways. The carrier ended scheduled operations in November 2016 and is therefore no longer available for new bookings.
Taipei was the airline's principal departure hub, supported by important operations from Kaohsiung, Fuzhou, Hualien and Shanghai. Its network comprised 92 routes serving 31 destinations across 7 countries. Domestic services connected Taiwanese cities and islands such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Taichung, Kinmen and Makung, while international flying concentrated on nearby Asian markets, including mainland China and Singapore.
Aircraft associated with the airline included Aerospatiale/Alenia ATR 72 turboprops, Airbus A320 and A321 narrow-body jets, and Boeing 737 variants including the 737-800. ATR aircraft were suited to shorter domestic and regional sectors, while the Airbus and Boeing jets handled busier or longer services. Cabin arrangements and onboard amenities varied by aircraft and route, so passengers historically needed to check the conditions attached to their individual fare.
TransAsia Airways was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It operated independently and relied on its own network rather than offering the extensive alliance-wide benefits available through the three global groups. No current frequent-flyer programme can be recommended because the airline has ceased operating, and former membership benefits, mileage balances and redemption arrangements should not be assumed to remain valid.
A notable strength of the former network was its combination of Taiwanese domestic links and short-haul international services, providing direct access to cities including Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shanghai, Changsha, Hangzhou and Hefei. The decisive limitation is that the carrier is defunct: its historical schedules, baggage rules and service information are no longer valid for present-day travel. Travellers encountering its name or old website in search results should verify the actual operating airline before purchasing anything.
Good to know
Flying with LIFT Airline — what to expect
Operations Have Ceased
The GE/TNA carrier identified as TransAsia Airways stopped operating in November 2016. Its former flights cannot be booked today.
Check Airline Identity
The LIFT Airline label conflicts with the Taiwanese legal name and operating codes in this listing. Confirm the actual carrier and flight operator before paying for a ticket.
Historical Baggage Rules
Old baggage allowances found on archived pages should not be used for current planning. Follow the rules published by the airline that now operates your chosen flight.
Mixed Aircraft Fleet
The former fleet included ATR turboprops as well as Airbus and Boeing narrow-body jets. Cabin space and service levels therefore varied between domestic and regional routes.
No Alliance Membership
TransAsia Airways did not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Travellers should not expect historical tickets or activity to provide benefits within those alliances.
Network overview
Where LIFT Airline flies
LIFT Airline operates 92 routes to 31 destinations across 7 countries, its longest sector reaching Singapore to Taipei (3,221 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities LIFT Airline flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Singapore → Taipei
3,221 km · SIN → TPE
The longest sector in the LIFT Airline network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by LIFT Airline
Tracked LIFT Airline routes touch Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore.
PVG - TPEShanghai → Taipei1h 17m677 kmSHA - TSAShanghai → Taipei1h 17m683 kmTPE - PVGTaipei → Shanghai1h 17m677 kmTSA - SHATaipei → Shanghai1h 17m683 kmKIX - TPEOsaka → Taipei2h 28m1,704 kmTPE - KIXTaipei → Osaka2h 28m1,704 kmSIN - TPESingapore → Taipei4h 12m3,221 kmTPE - SINTaipei → Singapore4h 12m3,221 kmMore from Taiwan
Other airlines based in Taiwan
FAQ
LIFT Airline — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure hubs were Taipei, Kaohsiung, Fuzhou, Hualien and Shanghai, in that order by number of routes. These reflect the former TransAsia Airways network.
- Its network served exactly 31 destinations across 7 countries, with 92 routes. These are historical network figures because the airline ceased operations in 2016.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because this carrier no longer operates, any current results would relate to other airlines serving comparable routes.
- Tickets are no longer sold for this carrier because it ended operations in 2016. For comparable regional flights, fares are often lower outside holidays and peak travel periods, particularly when booked in advance.
- No current carry-on allowance applies because the GE/TNA airline has ceased operating. Travellers should check the dimensions and weight limits published by the carrier actually operating their flight.
- Taipei was the primary hub for the GE/TNA carrier identified as TransAsia Airways. Kaohsiung, Fuzhou, Hualien and Shanghai were also among its busiest departure points.
- The former network linked Taiwanese cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Taichung, Kinmen and Makung with regional destinations including Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Changsha, Hangzhou, Hefei and Singapore. The airline no longer operates.
- The longest route was Singapore to Taipei, about 3,221 km nonstop. It formed part of the airline's former regional Asian network.