Taiwanese carrier Eva Air is continuing to study proposals to invest in the new airport at Chek Lap Kok, following a recent deal involving rival China Airlines. Eva vice-president Hansen Chen said in Taipei yesterday the airline was studying proposals after being approached by franchisees at Chek Lap Kok. The moves by China Airlines - Taiwan's largest carrier - which also involve China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC), had put pressure on Eva to make similar moves to keep up in the race to establish closer mainland ties. With the completion of the airport, many airlines are likely to be allowed additional flights to and from Hong Kong. But Mr Chen was non-committal as to whether Eva would increase its frequency once the airport opened. 'It depends on the future negotiation of traffic rights,' he said. In terms of Chinese relations, Mr Chen said Eva had 'established co-operation with many carriers there and will continue to do so'. The airline said recently it was experiencing high depreciation costs which had eaten into its profits. Mr Chen, however, expressed confidence the airline would record strong profit growth in coming years.
