Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung says the government is open to changing the name of Taiwan’s flag carrier, China Airlines, to avoid confusion with China.
The containers with face masks that Taiwan donated to Europe are covered with a cloth that reads “Taiwan can help.” The airline carrying the cargo is China Airlines, Taiwan’s flag carrier.
There is concern that people may confuse Taiwan’s airline with China. Nearly 40,000 people have signed a petition calling for the company to change its name. People are suggesting names like China Airlines from Taiwan, Taiwan Airlines or Formosa Airlines.
Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung says the government has no plans to politicize the name change issue. Lin said it respects whatever decision China Airlines makes.
China Airlines has declined to comment on the issue. It is estimated that simply repainting the surface of its 88 aircraft could cost NT$700 million (over US$23 million). Documentation and changes required at foreign airports would cost another NT$1 billion (NT$33 million). The name China Airlines itself is worth NT$30 billion (US$1 billion).
Given that the government owns a 49% stake in China Airlines and that a name change involves aviation rights, change is not going to be easy.