In a move aimed at reorganizing state-run China Airlines (CAL, 中 華航空), Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Chu-lan (葉菊蘭) announced yesterday the formation of a new board for the China Aviation Development Foundation (CADF, 中華航空事業發展基金會), which holds a 71 percent stake in CAL and is the main policy-making force behind the carrier.
Yeh also suggested National Chiao-tung University President, Chang Chun-yen (張俊彥) be named president of the group, replacing former Premier Hsu Li-teh (徐立德).
Chang has a long record of public service, including recent work as a member of the National Policy Advisory Committee (
Relatives in Chang's family were killed in the 228 Incident, and because of his family's political leanings, Chang had virtually no chance of studying abroad during the White Terror period. Chang received a PhD from National Chiao-tung University in 1970.
Chang is currently attending a seminar in San Jose, California, and was unavailable for comment.
An anonymous observer said the new CADF board members exclude all the former KMT members who previously held board positions. In addition, the source said CAL's competitor, EVA Air (長榮航空), has been blocked from gaining a board seat.
There had been speculation recently that EVA had sought to take control of CAL through the board, using its influence with President Chen.
EVA is widely rumored to have strong ties with the president, as its founder, Chang Yung-fa (
Both Yeh and Premier Tang Fei (
Other new board members include lawyer Chang Cheng-hsiung (
Yeh said Huang was invited to be CAL's representative in CADF as a fulfillment of the administration's promise to bring more democracy to the domestic airline industry.
CAL employee representatives have sought recently to capitalize on the timing of the board reshuffle to gain representation and have their voices heard.
"We hope that company employees can be represented both on the board of the foundation as well as in the company itself at the June election," said Lee Chao-ping (李昭平), chairman of the China Airlines Union (華航產業工會), at a hearing last Friday.
The youngest CADF board member, Huang is said to be a member of CAL's "Taiwan faction," known for its pro-DPP leanings.
The majority of CAL staff are strong supporters of the New Party and the recently formed People First Party.
"Current chairman Chiang Hung-yi (蔣洪彝) and president Sandy Liu (劉克涯) will be replaced in the near future to totally reform CAL's industry culture and management," MOTC officials said.
MOTC officials said the CADF should be reorganized by June 30 and the group will nominate 10 out of CAL's 11 board members soon after.
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