Taiwan's Eva Air joins world's biggest air alliance

Mark Schwab (front row, second from left), Star Alliance CEO, and Austin Cheng (front row, first from left), president of EVA Air, separately hold aircraft models during a ceremony in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, on June 18, 2013, when the Taiwanese air carrier joined the world's biggest airline grouping. Taiwan's Eva Airways on Tuesday joined Star Alliance, the world's biggest airline grouping, in a move that could give it an edge over regional rivals like China Airlines. -- PHOTO: AFP

TAOYUAN (AFP) - Taiwan's Eva Airways on Tuesday joined Star Alliance, the world's biggest airline grouping, in a move that could give it an edge over regional rivals like China Airlines.

"Eva Air has successfully completed all joining requirements and I can confirm that our chief executive board has now unanimously accepted Eva Air into our alliance," Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab announced at a ceremony in the north of the island.

The move could see an increase in the carrier's occupancy rate by up to three percentage points, according to chairman Chang Kuo-wei, as passengers benefit from greater integration with leading airlines.

It took Eva Air a year and half to meet the alliance requirements, foremost the adjustment of its computer systems that will enable passengers to use air miles earned through other alliance members.