EVA Launches Direct Charter Flights from Taiwan to Mainland China
Passengers fly direct, nonstop for the first time in 40 years

TAIPEI, TAIWAN (15 July, 2008) – Marking the historic opening of links between Taiwan and Mainland China, EVA Air and its subsidiary UNI Air launched direct, nonstop weekend charter flights from Taipei (Sung Shan Airport), Taoyuan (Taoyuan International Airport) and Kaohsiung to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou starting from July 4, 2008.  The two Taiwan-based airlines together are scheduled to make 7-8 round-trip flights a week on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.   Passengers worldwide can book and buy tickets for travel to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou via EVA’s user friendly web site at www.evaair.com, through a travel agent or by calling an EVA reservations hotline (800-695-1188 in North America).  Chartered flights operated by both EVA and UNI, including those from Sung Shan Airport near Downtown Taipei, can be booked as onward connections for any of EVA’s regularly scheduled service and Evergreen Club members earn mileage.

EVA uses Taoyuan International Airport and its domestic and regional subsidiary UNI Air serves Taipei’s convenient, close-in Sung Shan and Koahsiung International Airport in southern Taiwan, in addition to Taoyuan.  UNI’s initial flight to Shanghai was the first international departure from Sung Shan in 30 years.  EVA’s new flights are a welcomed development for international business and leisure travelers worldwide as well as for those in Taiwan and Mainland China.  Flight time between Taipei and Beijing is a little more than four hours and on the Taipei – Shanghai route, it’s approximately two and a half hours, saving travel time and adding convenience.  Before July 4, EVA passengers bound for Mainland China had to change airlines in Hong Kong or Macau and returning passengers reversed the process.      EVA is flying these new routes with new Airbus 330-200s outfitted with the latest cabins and configured to carry 252 passengers with 24 in Premium Laurel business class and 228 in Economy.  UNI Air is using comfortably equipped MD-90s that carry 152 passengers, seating 12 in Business Class and 140 in Economy.  Reflecting the different tastes enjoyed in regions of Mainland China and Taiwan, EVA and UNI Air designed special menus.  Passengers dine on regional foods created for each destination, e.g., Beijing, Shanghai and Cantonese meals on flights to Mainland China.  On trips to Taiwan, travelers can enjoy traditional gourmet specialties.  Premium Laurel and Business Class Passengers can pre-select meals at www.evaair.com in advance of flights.