EVA AIR HAS acquired a stake in a second Taiwanese domestic airline in a move designed to strengthen its presence in Taiwan's highly competitive home market.
The international carrier reportedly paid NT$330 million ($13 million) for a 20% share in Great China Airlines. This latest deal follows EVA's purchase of a 32% holding in Kaoshiung-based Makung Airlines.
EVA Air says that it will look for co-operation in areas such as maintenance and crew training, but discussions are also understood to extend further to possible code sharing and interlining.
EVA has faced stiff opposition in from rival carriers in its attempts to expand into Taiwan's overcrowded domestic market, but the complementary services of Makung and Taipei-based Great China should help give it a foothold.
Source: Flight International
