EVA Airways for robust Taiwan-China aviation link

Taiwan’s second bigger international carrier EVA Airways is advocating strong aviation links with China. The airline has extended a fervent appeal to the government and asked it to seriously take up aviation-related issues in future Taiwan-China talks.

The airline said that highlight the issue is quite important for the growth of the industry and enable it to operate with more flexibility amid a sluggish global economy and higher oil prices.

Last year, EVA Airways has witnessed a sharp decline in air cargo shipments because of the decreasing demand for Taiwan’s electronic devices.

The airline has, however, hoped that the aviation industry in the country will get a boost if China’s territorial air space is opened up to allow shorter routes on long-haul flights.  

Chang Kuo-wei, President of EVA Airways, has said that a free and open sky will considerably help in cutting down budgets tremendously.

According to Chang, a Taipei-Paris route flying over China instead of Russia could save the airline 30 minutes per trip or $3.4 million every year.

Chang also suggested that China should take steps in easing its travel restrictions so that Chinese travelers could transfer via Taiwan without obtaining exit and entry permits.