Taiwan plane crash: Who are TransAsia Airways – and what is their safety record?

At least 12 people have died after a TransAsia plane clipped a bridge and crashed into a river near the Taiwanese capital, Taipei

Rescue personnel work to free passengers from a TransAsia ATR 72-600 turboprop plane that crash-landed into a river outside Taiwan's capital Taipei (AFP/Getty)

A TransAsia Airways plane with 58 passengers and crew on board cartwheeled into a river shortly after taking off from a downtown Taipei airport on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people and leaving about a dozen missing.

Who are they?

One of the region's smaller carriers with around 20 planes in its fleet - a mix of Airbus and dual-propeller ATR planes.

Where do they go?

Flies many routes between Taiwan and mainland China, and to other parts of South East Asia. Serves over 30 destinations.

Why are they popular?

Gained popularity and expanded in recent years due to its low-cost tickets.

What is their crash record?

There have been four accidents recorded since 2002, including the high profile TransAsia Airways Flight 222 which crashed into buildings during its descent at Magong Airport in Taiwan, 23 July 2014. Of the 54 passengers and four crew members on board, only 10 survived.