A large number of VIPs attended the celebration, including Minister Mao Chi-Kuo of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Chief Secretary Wu Cheng-Chih of the China Aviation Development Foundation, and Director General Lee Long-Wen of the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The first official face of China Airlines, Miss Chiling Lin, also joined the party, making the spotlight of the event.

Chairman Wei addressed the event, noting that CAL has persevered and prospered through five decades. Although CAL was severely hit by the global economic downturn, he said, it still managed to recover with support from the government, its customers and its employees. "In a special moment like this, CAL would like to express its heartfelt thanks to all its contributors," he said.

In respect of CAL operation outlook, Chairman Wei reiterated IATA's forecast for 2009 of US$11 billion dollar losses from aviation industry global-wide. On the other hand, CAL has been beneficial by the booming cross-strait direct flights and better-than-expected recovery from the cargo business, both of which lifted CAL to a profitable October onwards. CAL President Huang-Hsiang Sun also addressed the celebration, saying that CAL will never compromise on safety, and will continue to provide top-notch service and reduce operating costs as it responds to all future challenges.

To help celebrate the historic event, CAL built a giant ice sculpture, and created a "time travel tunnel" that presented photos and videos from 50 years of operation using high-tech gimmicks such as interactive touch screen and innovative simulation photo-taking with the images of celebrities traveled with CAL. To further highlight the milestone, CAL displayed a PBY-5A aircraft model with flight attendants dressed in classical uniforms, and provided photo booths where guests could take commemorative photos.

To date, CAL's flight network connecting 84 destinations in 27 countries around the world, playing a pivotal role in international aviation industry. As part of its commitment to social responsibility, CAL continues to be involved in charities and rescue activities. In 2009 alone, CAL participated in the Green House Gas Inventory and Verification project for the aviation sector, and was also declared an 'e-freight capable' carrier by the esteemed IATA, marking a milestone of Taiwan aviation environmental protection program.

In early 2010, the new CAL corporate headquarter, CAL Park, will commence operation in Taoyuang Aviation Park, aiming to achieve vertical and horizontal integration administratively and operatively for better efficiency. Building on 50 years of evolution and development, CAL looks ahead with confidence, as it strives to create a more prosperous future for itself, and continues to support the government policy of transforming Taiwan into a key Asia-Pacific transportation hub.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 17-Dec-09

In-depth analysis of the Chinese airline and airport sectors, including

latest traffic and financial reports and outlooks, is available each month

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