Taiwanese carriers remain profitable in challenging quarter

Taiwan’s two largest carriers remained in the black in the second-quarter earnings, despite a resurgence of infections on the island. While China Airlines saw its operating profit slip year on year, compatriot EVA Air rebounded with a significant increase in profit. As for EVA Air, its second-quarter operating profit rose significantly to NT$801m, nearly four times higher than the NT$184 million profit it made in 2020. The carrier saw a 25% increase in revenue, to NT$24.2b, while costs and expenses rose 22.3% year on year to NT$23.4b. EVA Air swung back to a modest net profit for the period, at NT$144m, compared to a NT$614m net loss in 2020. Both carriers did not provide any discussions for their financial results. During the period, Taiwan witnessed a fresh wave of coronavirus infections, caused primarily by the more contagious Delta variant. Cases peaked at end-May, with more than 500 new cases reported on 28 May, the worst spike in a long while for Taiwan, which is largely seen a success story in keeping the pandemic out of its borders. Story has China Airlines details.<br/>