TAOYUAN, Taiwan - Taiwan's EVA Airways on Tuesday joined Star Alliance, the world's biggest airline grouping, in a move that could give it an edge over regional rivals like China Airlines.
Mark Schwab, second left, Star Alliance CEO, and Austin Cheng, left, president of EVA Air separately hold aircraft models during a ceremony in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, on Tuesday when the Taiwanese air carrier joined the world's biggest airline grouping. (AFP Photo)
"EVA Air has successfully completed all joining requirements and I can confirm that our chief executive board has now unanimously accepted EVA Air into our alliance," Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab announced at a ceremony in the north of Taiwan.
The move could see an increase in the carrier's occupancy rate by up to three percentage points, according to chairman Chang Kuo-wei, as passengers benefit from greater integration with leading airlines.
It took EVA Air a year and half to meet the Alliance requirements, foremost the adjustment of its computer systems that will enable passengers to use air miles earned through other alliance members.
In March last year, an EVA executive said joining the grouping would give the carrier an advantage over China Airlines which belongs to the smaller Sky Team.
EVA, Taiwan's second largest airline, becomes the 28th member of the Star Alliance, which also includes carriers such as Thai Airways International, Lufthansa and United Airlines.