TAIPEI (TVBS News) — TSMC's new fab in Kumamoto, Japan, scheduled to open on February 24, has already had a positive impact on the local housing market and economy.
Following TSMC’s steps, Taiwanese airlines are adjusting flight schedules as they see the growing market potential for both business and tourist passengers traveling to the Kyushu region.
China Airlines will be increasing its direct flights from Taoyuan International Airport to Kumamoto from four to five flights per week, starting February 27. Additionally, by the end of March, China Airlines plans to operate 19 direct flights per week from Taiwan to Fukuoka.
In anticipation of the cherry blossom season in Japan, EVA Air will be boosting its flights from Kaohsiung to Fukuoka from five to seven per week by the end of March.
Experts suggest that sustaining a route solely based on the demand from one company's employees is challenging and requires other passengers to contribute to the travel volume.
Taiwan's airline industry also hopes that this arrangement will increase the number of Japanese tourists coming to Taiwan this year.