TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of EVA Air (長榮航空) on Monday (Feb. 17) highlighted the potential benefits for the airline industry if the Russia-Ukraine war ends. After launching the airline's fourth-generation Premium Economy Class (豪華經濟艙), EVA Air President Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) emphasized that peace could open up new business opportunities.
Sun noted that the conflict has extended flight times from Europe to Taiwan from approximately 13 to 15 hours. He anticipates a 17% to 18% reduction in flight time following a ceasefire. Sun also expects an increase in Ukrainian business travelers, which could boost the passenger load.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump introduced new tariff policies, the freight industry has faced challenges. Sun acknowledged the impact but pointed out that trade volumes continue to grow, with logistics demand shifting from China to Southeast Asia.
Trump previously canceled the de minimis exemption for Chinese parcels, affecting e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein. However, he signed an executive order on Feb. 7, temporarily halting the cancellation, allowing small parcels to continue enjoying tariff exemptions.
