Working Capability of TSA in Operation Flights 1995-2009

Working Capability of TSA in Passenger amount 1952-2009

The Matsuyama Airdrome (as Taipei SongShan Airport was known during the Japanese occupation era) was initially a pure military use airport. After Taiwan was reverted back to Republic of China’s (ROC) control in 1945, the airport was administered by the ROC Air Force for joint military and civilian uses. At that time, China National Aviation Corporation operated 8 light aircrafts (DC-3 or C-46) that flew Shanghai-Taipei and Shanghai-Fuzhou-Taipei routes. With the retreat of the Nationalists in 1949, R.O.C. Civilian Aeronautics Administration re-located to Taiwan along with the central government. On April 16, 1950, Taipei SongShan Airport became the Taiwan’s first international and domestic airport to be authorized by the Executive Yuan, and the "Civil Aeronautics Administration Taipei Airport, Ministry of Transportation and Communications" was formally established. In the beginning, takeoff/landing and passenger volumes were very low due to only the wealthy, businessman, or students studying abroad flew.

With the assistance of the United States, the runway was lengthened to 2605 meters in 1960，and the number of taxiways increased to five to ensure the safety of jumbo jets’ landing, take-off, and taxiing. Since the 1950s, Taiwan began to experience rapid economic growth. Air transportation also expanded quickly. The external appearance of the terminal was of the Chinese architectural style of the 1970s. The airport appeared spectacular and was also well-equipped. At the time, the airport was second to none in Southeast Asia.

From 1952 to 1971, the number of flights and passenger volumes increased dramatically. By the end of 1978, there were 14 international airlines with routes spread all over the Continents of Europe, Asia, and America. Domestic flight routes covered the main island of Taiwan, and even expanded to offshore islands such as Green Island, Orchid Island, Qimei Island, etc.

(Source: Special Issue for the 60th Anniversary of Taipei SongShan Airport, historical documents provided by Mr. Zhongzheng Tang, the Head of Jingzhung Borough)