TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — EVA Air President Clay Sun (孫嘉明) said the company's cargo revenue will keep growing in the second half of this year, mainly driven by a more than 20% increase in Taiwan's AI server shipments.

In the first half of this year, EVA reported total revenue of NT$110.25 billion (US$3.45 billion), a 2.8% increase from last year. Net profit after tax reached NT$12.62 billion, up 0.9% year-on-year. Passenger revenue totaled NT$71.62 billion, down 1.8%, while cargo revenue rose 14.3% to NT$26.23 billion.

The airline’s cargo business, which primarily handles goods for the ICT sector, has seen a mixed performance from May to July, per CNA. Shipments to China declined by nearly 3% during that period, while exports to Southeast Asia increased. Sun said that some clients have requested charter flights to secure transportation for large export volumes.

Despite new US tariffs of 20% on imports from Taiwan, which primarily affect industries such as machine tools, machinery, and textiles, Sun said the impact on EVA has been limited. The affected goods are not among the airline’s primary air freight customers.

Sun said that passenger revenue is also expected to continue growing in the second half of this year. He noted that while bookings in July were slightly affected by rumors about an earthquake in Japan, demand has since rebounded. Looking ahead, he anticipates the fourth quarter will benefit from an increase in holidays.

The airline will launch a new route to Dallas in October, starting with three flights per week. By December, the service will expand to daily flights between Dallas and Taoyuan. With this addition, the company will operate a total of 94 weekly flights between Taiwan and the US.

EVA currently operates four weekly flights on its route to Milan, which had an average seat occupancy rate of 81% last year. With the gradual delivery of new aircraft, Sun said the airline will be able to offer daily flights to the city.

On Monday, the airline announced a new collaboration with French-Japanese lifestyle brand Maison Kitsune to launch exclusive amenity kits, pajamas, and slippers, which will debut on the upcoming Dallas route. It has also partnered with Evergreen Sky Catering to introduce a new in-flight menu for passengers traveling from Taoyuan to New York.