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(XFN-ASIA) - The transportation ministry's Civil Aeronautics Administration said it will permit Taiwan airlines to raise fuel surcharges for international passenger flights from July 15.
The surcharge for short-haul flights will rise 5 usd to 37.5 usd, while that for long-haul will rise 13 usd to 97.5 usd, according to a statement from the administration.
Taiwan election result to benefit Taiwan-China services as airlines expand services for New Year
This weekend’s re-election of a Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) President in the Republic of China (Taiwan) is good news for airlines operating between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China.
Since non-stop cross-straits services began in 2009, airlines from both sides have profited from a relaxation in access, with steep gains in direct city pair operations.
There had been concerns that a loss by President Ma Ying-jeou would mean his liberal attitude to relations with the mainland would be reversed under a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. It was President Ma’s influence that helped remove restrictions on direct flights.
The KMT’s win should more or less mean business as usual – and a continuation of the expansion of cross-straits air travel.
Taiwan’s EVA banking on more cross-Straits flights
Taiwan’s EVA Air aims to focus on further expanding its cross-Straits operation as it takes delivery of new narrowbody aircraft. Expansion of EVA’s relatively limited long-haul operation is unlikely as long as there is an opportunity to add capacity in the lucrative cross-Straits market.
EVA chairman, James Jeng states the carrier expects to direct most additional capacity in 2012 to mainland China routes. Speaking to CAPA along the sidelines of last week’s Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) meeting in Seoul, Mr Jeng says EVA is not planning to further expand its network in mainland China beyond the 25 destinations it will serve by the end of this year. But he says EVA hopes to increase frequencies to several existing destinations.
Capacity on existing cross-Straits flights will also increase as EVA introduces A321s. Mr Jeng says the carrier has committed to acquiring 14 A321s, with the first three to be delivered from leasing companies in late 2012. The EVA group, which includes subsidiary Uni Airways, plans to use the A321s in its cross-Straits network.
