Brent Hannon/TAIPEI
Taiwan's EVA Airways has signed an alliance agreement with an unnamed US carrier as it strives for a similar link in Europe.
The US deal, disclosed by EVA president Richard Huang and described as a "full alliance", includes an exchange of frequent-flyer programmes. "All flights to the USA will be shared with our partner," says Huang, adding that the alliance partner does not now serve Taiwan, which rules out Northwest Airlines and United Airlines.
EVA already operates 46 flights a week to the USA, which is more than any other airline in South-East Asia. This is expected to grow following the US-Taiwan open-skies agreement signed earlier this year. The prime aim of the US link, says EVA, is to gain access to the US domestic network. The US partner will be able to use EVA's network to tap the Asian market.
A partner in Europe is also being sought, says Huang, who believes that, "-without alliances with other major carriers, you cannot survive". The airline already has a variety of links with airlines in Asia-Pacific, including All Nippon Airways, Air Macau and Ansett.
EVA is also pursuing an agreement with Indonesian airline Merpati Nusantara, and has arranged to operate a joint service with the carrier from Taipei to Denpassar, in Bali.
Source: Flight International
