Taiwan and Canada Sign New Air Services Agreement, Increasing Flights to 17 Per Week Starting Today

▲Taiwan and Canada signed a new air services agreement on the 18th. The number of weekly flights between the two countries will increase to 17, and China Airlines will consider adding more flights after evaluation. The photo shows a newly launched livery aircraft by China Airlines. (Photo provided by China Airlines)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

More flight options to Canada ahead! On the 18th, the Civil Aeronautics Administration completed revisions to the new air services agreement with Canada. Starting today, the number of weekly flights between Taiwan and Canada will increase from the original 13 to 17. There are no restrictions on cargo flight frequency, and passenger flights are expected to expand to 21 per week by November 2015.

The CAA stated on the 18th that the new air services agreement between Taiwan and Canada was jointly signed by CAA Director-General Shen Chi and Canadian Representative to Taiwan Marjorie Barnes. The new agreement includes provisions on aviation safety and security, enhancing the completeness of the bilateral air services pact. Originally, Taiwanese airlines were only permitted to operate flights to Vancouver and Toronto. With the implementation of the new agreement, future flights can depart from Taiwan via any intermediate point to any destination in Canada. Cargo flight frequencies have been revised to unlimited capacity, and fifth freedom traffic rights have been granted.

Currently, the main airlines providing service between Taiwan and Canada are China Airlines, which operates seven weekly flights to Vancouver, and EVA Air, which operates three weekly flights each to Vancouver and Toronto. In 2012, the average passenger load factor on Canada routes reached 84%. Additionally, Canada’s visa exemption for Taiwanese nationals since 2010 has further boosted the number of mutual visits. Airlines have expressed their support for the new agreement and will evaluate adding more flights based on market demand.