"Brother Bear lands a powerful leg strike on Brother Tiger" — TransAsia Airways hosts a Muay Thai showdown to warm up for its maiden flight

▲ Brother Bear and TransAsia flight attendants appear together at the launch party. (Photo by reporter Chen Rui-zhong, same below)

By Chen Rui-zhong, Taipei

TransAsia Airways, which will launch its maiden Taipei–Bangkok flight on December 17, held a launch party today (December 16). In addition to Thai snacks and travel information, the event featured Thai dance and Muay Thai performances. Two Muay Thai fighters, dubbed "Brother Bear" and "Brother Tiger," engaged in an intense bout, with Brother Bear ultimately emerging victorious after knocking out Brother Tiger with a flying punch.

▲ During the Muay Thai battle at the party, "Brother Bear" repeatedly landed heavy blows on "Brother Tiger" before winning the match.

Themed "The Wildest Maiden Flight, Thai-Tastic Fun," the event transformed Songshan Cultural and Creative Park into a mini Thai market, offering Thai treats like milk tea and shrimp chips. Travel experts were also on hand to share the latest tips on visiting Bangkok. Additionally, TransAsia’s mascot, "Brother Bear," met Taiwan’s "Oh Bear" from the Tourism Bureau and "Blackie" from the Taiwan Black Bear Conservation Association, creating an adorable trio.

▲ Brother Bear, Blackie, Oh Bear, and guests gathered to wish TransAsia Airways a successful launch.

Shen Chi, head of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, who was dressed in black with a white neckerchief today, noted that Taiwan now has 14 low-cost carriers, making TransAsia the first fully Taiwanese-owned budget airline. Its in-flight meals cater well to Taiwanese tastes, and she hopes the airline will further localize its services and make policies more transparent to serve more passengers.

Lin Ming-feng, chairman of TransAsia Airways, also stated that the airline spent a year preparing and incorporated Taiwanese public opinions on fares, meals, and branding. Following the December 17 Bangkok launch, it plans to operate a Siem Reap charter flight on January 6, 2015, and a Chiang Mai route on January 7. It also aims to add one aircraft per quarter in 2015, totaling four new planes for the year.

▲ The party offered a variety of Thai snacks, letting attendees travel with their taste buds.

TransAsia General Manager Long Zhang-qi added that December ticket sales have exceeded 80%, with January surpassing 70%. Brother Bear-themed merchandise, such as plush toys, model planes, and passport holders, has been especially popular. Limited-edition items like blankets will also be sold on flights to attract fans.

The "Brother Bear vs. Brother Tiger" Muay Thai performance at the launch party sparked comparisons between TransAsia and Tigerair. On the rivalry, Lin Ming-feng said: "Let consumers decide the pros and cons. TransAsia’s biggest strength is simply 'doing our best.'"