China Airlines becomes largest shareholder in cross-Straits air travel market

Taiwan’s national flag carrier China Airlines recently announced it has become the leader and largest stakeholder in the cross-Straits air travel market.

China Airlines' chief representative on the Chinese mainland Danny Chung said that the airline carried more than 1.6 million passengers from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan in 2011. He said that in the first half of 2012 the business has appreciably grown at a much faster pace, and the number of Chinese mainland travelers to Taiwan is likely to increase 1 million and above this year.

Currently, China Airlines serves above 100 destinations in 29 countries across the world. The airline also connects 24 cities on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan, offering 108 Chinese Airlines flights each week across the Straits.

According to the airline, more than 20 flights are being operated in Shanghai alone connecting Taiwanese cities of Kaohsiung and Taipei every week. The airline wants to operate more flights to Shanghai as it is the main hub for Taiwanese businessmen.