EVA Air has joined the Star Alliance network, further strengthening its presence in Asia/Pacific.

At the official joining ceremony, held at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Mark Schwab, chief executive, Star Alliance said: “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.”

Founded just over 16 years ago, Star Alliance has progressively built its presence in Asia/Pacific and now has eight member carriers based in this region, which continues to show a growing demand in air travel, posting 5.2 per cent growth in 2012.

At present, 19 Star Alliance member airlines operate more than 4,000 daily flights to, from and within the Asia / Pacific region, serving 280 airports in 44 countries.

“Star Alliance has since its inception had a strong presence in Asia / Pacific.

“With the addition of EVA Air to our existing combinations of member carriers and hubs, we further cement our position of providing the strongest network on an international scale to, from and within this ever growing region.

“We are looking forward to welcoming new customers from Taiwan and serving more travellers on the expanding Cross-Straits market”, Schwab said.

EVA Air now offers through check-in to the final destination for connecting flights operated by any Star Alliance member airline for both passengers and baggage, hence providing seamless travel.

Passengers benefit as they do not need to collect their boarding passes for connecting flights at the transfer airports and, where permitted by local customs regulations, baggage will also be sent through to the final destinations.

Austin Cheng, president, EVA Air, said: “Star Alliance membership gives us the privilege of serving new customers from all corners of the globe and introducing our passengers to the seamless services and status recognition that the Alliance provides.

“As a member, we have the opportunity to introduce travellers to new ways of connecting to destinations throughout Asia via our hub in Taipei.”

Members in EVA Air Infinity MileageLands Frequent Flyer Programme will now be able to collect and redeem miles on all Star Alliance member airlines.

MileageLands Diamond and Gold Card holders now enjoy Star Alliance Gold Status which entitles customers to such privileges as access to more than 1,000 lounges across the globe, extra baggage allowance on all Star Alliance member airlines as well as priority baggage delivery.

FFP members from all other Star Alliance member airlines can also now make use of these when travelling on EVA Air.