China Airlines to get new chairman

Philip Wei (魏幸雄), president of China Airlines (華航), is expected to assume the chairmanship of the nation's largest air carrier, making him the first employee to rise through the ranks all the way to the top.

The appointment was revealed after a meeting between Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) and President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on Thursday night.

Hsieh made the announcement during an evening TV talk show appearance after the meeting.

Wei will fill the vacancy left by Chiang Yao-chung (江耀宗), who will take the helm at the state-controlled China Steel Corp (中鋼), after the appointment is approved by the government-funded China Aviation Development Foundation (航發會) and the carrier's board.

China Airlines spokesman Johnson Sun (孫鴻文) yesterday said the company has not received a formal order, but that the board of directors is expected to convene a meeting next week to pass the appointment.

"Offering promotions to the chairmanship from inside the company is a big incentive to our employees," Sun said.

He added that Wei meets all of Hsieh's requirements for the post, including professional experience in the aviation industry, superior management capabilities and a vision for the company's future.

As for a candidate to take Wei's current position, Cabinet Secretary-General Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government will hunt for suitable talent from within China Airlines' subsidiaries.

Wei, 63, obtained a bachelor's degree in transportation and communication management science from National Cheng Kung University and a master's degree of public finance from National Chengchi University.

Wei has worked for China Airlines for 33 years.

As for a candidate to take Wei's current position, Cabinet Secretary-General

Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government will hunt for suitable talent from

within China Airlines' subsidiaries.

Wei, 63, obtained a bachelor's degree in transportation and communication

management science from National Cheng Kung University and a master's degree

of public finance from National Chengchi University.

Wei has worked for China Airlines for 33 years.