Airlines join forces to convince people to leave the country

Seeking to lure passengers back onto airplanes, the nation's airlines joined forces yesterday in offering big discounts on tickets to a variety of international destinations -- for those who fly soon.

"Over the last couple of months passengers have avoided taking flights because of SARS, and now with the epidemic tailing off we plan to lure customers back via inexpensive fares," said Michael Lo (樂大信), chairman of the Taipei Airlines Association.

A total of six carriers held a press event yesterday to offer various discount packages.

China Airlines Co (華航) is offering discounts up to 82 percent off regular fares to passengers that fly before June 20. For example, a weekday round-trip ticket to Tokyo is NT$7,300 and NT$10,800 to Hawaii, while a business class ticket to Europe is NT$59,000.

EVA Airways Corp (長榮航空) is also touting weekday round-trip tickets to San Francisco or Vancouver for NT$15,300. A similar booking to Vienna is NT$22,000. EVA flights must be purchased before June 30.

"Now is the best time to travel by air ? in an effort to stimulate demand, carriers are determined to offer high quality service at very desirable prices," Lo said.

"Consumers have to take advantage now because the discount will not be available after July," said Steve Lin (林寶水), president of EVA.

China Airlines also expects its average occupancy rate may rebound by August to 80 percent or the same level as last year, according to Roger Han (韓梁中), a spokesman.

China Airlines' occupancy rate is between 50 to 60 percent.

China Airlines reported sales last month of NT$4 billion, a 40 percent drop from last year in the same period, while EVA's sales last month were NT$3.76 billion, a 25.4 percent decline from May last year.

The Taipei Airlines Association also plans to hold a travel fair at the square in front of Taipei City Hall on June 22.

Nearly 50 travel agencies, hoteliers as well as airline representatives will set up 80 booths to promote their special offers. Admission is free and customers can make reservations on the spot.

One hundred domestic tickets will be given to winners of a raffle, tickets for which will be given to visitors free.