TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene said Wednesday that a new direct flight between Taipei and Washington, DC, marks an important step in strengthening Taiwan-US ties.
Speaking at a dinner celebrating the new route, Greene said Taiwan is now the US’ fourth-largest trading partner. He said more than 200 Taiwanese companies attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington in May, making Taiwan the largest delegation at the event.
Greene said he expects Taiwan’s delegation to be even larger next year. He said participants could use EVA Air’s new direct flight to travel to Washington.
CNA reported that EVA Air will launch the Taipei-Washington route on Friday. Greene said Washington is his hometown and a city worth visiting for its history, parks, food, and cherry blossoms.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Vice President for Airline Business Development Paul Bobson said planning for the route began in 2024. He said the direct service can save travelers seven to eight hours and support business travel, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Chryssa Crouch Westerlund, executive vice president at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said the route is expected to generate NT$1.58 billion (US$50 million) a year for the Washington region. She thanked Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Corporation and EVA Air for helping make the new service possible.
Taoyuan Airport Chair Yang Wei-fu (楊偉甫) said the direct flight will bring the two cities closer. He said Taipei will have 374 flights a week to North America after the Washington service begins, UDN reported.
EVA Air President Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) said the airline now serves 10 US destinations. He said EVA Air may add more US routes in the future, per CTS News.
