TransAsia Airways Corp (復興航空) is starting direct flights between Taipei and Tokyo today — the 10th route it has launched this year.
The Tokyo route is also the ninth Japanese destination served by the Taiwanese carrier, which is targeting free independent travelers (FIT) as its major customers.
TransAsia has deployed its Airbus SAS 320 and 321 aircraft to serve the daily Tokyo flights.
TransAsia Airways president Chooi Yee-choong (徐以聰) said the carrier might increase its flight frequency if there is a strong and stable passenger load.
TransAsia is also considering chartering more A330 series aircraft to offer more seats, Chooi added.
The new route came a result of an extended open skies agreement between the two countries, which allows Taiwanese carriers to increase their services to certain Japanese destinations.
Separately, EVA Airways Corp (長榮航空) and the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration announced on Tuesday a partnership in London to promote travel to Taiwan and Shanghai in Europe.
The Taiwanese carrier first cooperated with the Shanghai tourism office three years ago to encourage passengers from North America to visit Shanghai via Taiwan.
That program generated good results and the airline now hopes to repeat the success in Europe, EVA said.
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