The Ministry of Transportation and Communications yesterday said it was deeply saddened over the sudden death of China Airlines (CAL) chairman Hsieh Shih-chien (謝世謙), adding that CAL president Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) would serve as the airline’s acting chairman.
Hsieh, who worked for the nation’s largest airline for 46 years, served in various ground-level positions before becoming chairman in April 2019, making him the longest-serving chair without a background in the air force.
Photo courtesy of China Airlines
He passed away in his home yesterday morning at the age of 73, the ministry said.
His passing was a “tremendous loss to the aviation industry,” said the ministry, which is the airline’s largest shareholder.
“We thank him for having accomplished many important tasks for the country and reached corporate goals, making CAL a profitable company and one of the world’s safest airlines,” it said in a statement.
Hsieh led the airline through the COVID-19 pandemic and overcame multiple challenges afterward, the ministry said, adding that the airline was recognized for its disease-prevention efforts in 2023 under his leadership.
His contributions to CAL culminated last year by delivering revenue of NT$20.38 billion (US$618.9 million), with record-high earnings and earnings per share.
Hsieh also signed two agreements with the CAL corporate union during his term, which greatly increased worker benefits and helped create a better workplace, the ministry said.
CAL in 2022 was rated the world’s No. 1 corporation in the global aviation industry on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the first Taiwanese transportation firm to win the title, the ministry said.
CAL is also the only airline to be selected as an emerging market component stock for eight consecutive years, it said.
“Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) expresses profound gratitude and appreciation for Hsieh’s lifelong dedication to CAL and the aviation industry. He also hopes that CAL employees would continue what Hsieh has accomplished and create a better future,” the ministry said.
CAL, the Air Line Pilots Association, and the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union released statements expressing sadness for the passing of Hsieh.
“Last year, CAL delivered its best revenue in 65 years. Chairman Hsieh’s extensive expertise and experience in the aviation industry ... solidified CAL’s competitive edge and enabled the company to achieve high revenue in both cargo and passenger services,” CAL said.
“The departure of the chairman is a huge loss for China Airlines and the entire aviation industry; his contributions and achievements will always be engraved in the company’s history,” the company said.
The Flight Attendants’ Union said that Hsieh worked hard to change a flawed corporate culture and pursue justice amid the pursuit of profits.
“We cannot go back to how things were before Hsieh became chairman. His position should not be filled by a layman in the aviation industry or someone from academia. We want someone who has worked their way up within CAL and is willing to take care of employees to guide the company forward,” it said.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
RESOLUTIONS DEBATE: Taiwan’s allies said that UN and WHA resolutions cited by China and other nations ‘do not determine Taiwan’s participation in WHO activities’ A proposal to invite Taiwan to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) was rejected on Monday, resulting in Taipei’s absence from the annual meeting for a ninth consecutive year, although partners spoke up for Taiwan’s participation at the first day of the meeting. The first agenda item after the opening was a “two-on-two debate” on a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate at the WHA as an observer. Similar to previous years, two countries made statements in favor of the proposal, while two others expressed their opposition. Philippine Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa, president of the 78th WHA, accepted the WHA General Committee’s
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure