The resumption of scheduled services in the Formosa Strait was initially modest, with 36 charter flights a week in June 2008. But by May 2010, there were 370 weekly flights to 37 Chinese cities. Since this year, there have been 558 flights a week between Taiwan and 41 cities in the People's Republic of China. Air Asia is continuing its ascent. Already based in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, Air Asia has just received its first Airbus A320 for its subsidiary in the Philippines. With four Airbus aircraft, Air Asia Philippines plans to serve eight cities in the region from Manila airport, as well as the United States in the longer term. The carrier also entered into a joint venture with All Nippon Airways for a low-cost airline based at Osaka Kansai in 2012. The long-haul subsidiary Air Asia X is also enjoying success after success. With its business class product, it is establishing itself as a credible alternative. In Europe, Air Asia X serves Paris Orly and is swapping London Stansted for Gatwick this winter. In December, the airline will launch a Kuala Lumpur-Osaka Kansai route. Another new development is the entry of Air Asia's main shareholder, Tune, into the capital of its rival Malaysia Airlines.
As a result, Taiwan is once again becoming an attractive transit point, claiming hub status between Europe, China, Taiwan and the United States. The Sky Team alliance had already sniffed out this opportunity in 2010, with the integration of China Airlines underway and scheduled for 2012. Although nothing has been confirmed, it would appear that Eva Air could join Star Alliance. The airline is increasing the number of codeshares with alliance airlines... Stay tuned!
