EVA Airlines, the airlines that brought us the gaudy Hello Kitty Jet has been busy Behind the scenes. Taiwan’s second largest 4-star airline has been negotiating with alliances trying to ink a deal allowing EVA to expand its global reach. Ever since China Airlines, joined the SkyTeam on February 2, 2012, EVA has been feeling even more pressure to join a global alliance. EVA is more than ready to expand their airline further than the current 60 destinations they currently offer. Eva air has had a growing relationship with Air China since regular cross-straits began in July 2008, so Star Alliance seemed like a perfect fit for them.
When Eva Air joins the largest air alliance in mid-2013, the Star Alliance will have grown to 30 members, including 7 in the Asia-Pacific region. Eva will join ANA, Air China, Asiana, Singapore, Thai airlines, and by Eva’s joining date, Shenzhen airlines should also be a Star Alliance member. EVA acceptance in the Star Alliance will give more dominance to this ever growing alliance with seven airlines flying under one alliance vs SkyTeam’s Five (Korean, China Southern, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, China Airlines and Garurda-future member) or OneWorld’s Three (Cathay, Malaysia, JAL). However per passenger traffic by volume, SkyTeam includes 3 of the 10 largest airlines in Asia (China Southern and Easter hold the number are the 1st and 2nd largest), OneWorld 2 of 10 (JAL and CX), and Star Alliance 2 of 10 (Air China and ANA)-thx Wikipedia.
Mark Schwab, CEO Star Alliance said “EVA Air is a very good fit for Star Alliance as the airline will add many new routes to our global network, with a specific focus on the growing Far East aviation market. This will increase the choice for our customers and is in line with our mission of being the leading global airline alliance for the international traveler.” However I would like to point out, that although EVA adds new “direct routes” to the Star Alliance network, many are overlapping with airlines that already fly to and from Twain. EVA air will only add two new destinations to the ever changing and growing Star Alliance network, Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Surabaya in Indonesia, both airports currently serves by the SkyTeam and OneWorld Alliance.
To help EVA Air with the growing pains that occur when joining an Alliance, Air China, the only other Chinese speaking airline, will help EVA in the process of
meeting all Star Alliance standards.
meeting all Star Alliance standards.
Although I have never flown EVA, overall I’ve heard great things from my Taiwanese friends that have flown EVA from SEA to TPE. In addition, I think this will be another good option for a use of United Miles for people traveling to/from Asia and within Asia, or Membership Rewards points redemption through Aeroplan or ANA. Continental had a partnership with EVA, but due to the merger with United this agreement was discontinued. I am sure former Continental flyers will look forward to the ability to earn and redeem miles again on EVA next year.
