Taiwan’s Legislature has passed a resolution to rebrand China Airlines (CAL).
The Taiwan-based state controlled carrier will take a phased approach to changing the name, starting with symbols of Taiwan to be used on CAL aircraft, cabinet spokesman Ting Yi-ming said.
Moves to change CAL’s name was ramped up earlier this year after it was once again mistaken for Air China by a European diplomat.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party says it can be done without irking Beijing or jeopardising its air transport freedoms.
"The ministry should make CAL more identifiable internationally with Taiwanese images to protect Taiwan’s national interests," parliamentary speaker Yu Shyi-kun said.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration estimates a cost of about US$36.5 million to rebrand the airline.
Last week the airline said it will resume flights to New York JFK Airport on July 26.
It will offer one flight a week to begin with through August.
CAL also flies to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
