Saturday's China Airlines (CAL) disaster has triggered a government-wide panic, as officials express their anxiety at traveling with the company. CAL remains the most chosen airline for trips taken by government officials.
In a question and answer session yesterday at the Kaohsiung City Council, City Councilor Chang Jui-teh (張瑞德) told Mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) flatly that he would not take CAL to go to the US in June.
He advised Hsieh -- also a member of the group -- not to risk his life by taking CAL.
A delegation led by Hsieh will visit Portland, Oregon, one of Kaohsiung's sister cities, by way of CAL from June 6 to June 16.
Hsieh responded by saying that he didn't know which airline he would be taking, but said he believed that every airline would do its best to ensure flight safety.
Due to its longstanding connection with the KMT, CAL used to be the officially designated airline for government officials while traveling overseas.
Although the KMT is no longer in power, the custom remains intact, because CAL has made most officials frequent flyers by offering them a variety of perks.
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