To express gratitude for the longstanding protection of national security by the Republic of China Armed Forces, six Taiwanese airlines including China Airlines will simultaneously introduce the “Priority Boarding Service for Military Personnel” on international flights.
Minister of Transportation of the Republic of China, Chen Shikai, and Minister of National Defense, Gu Lixiong, jointly attended a press conference today (6th) to express gratitude to the military and airlines, and announced that this service will be implemented starting from July.
Peng Jieshen, former instructor of the Republic of China Marine Corps Rapid Eradication Team and former lecturer at Thunder God Consulting Company, told The Epoch Times that Taiwan is currently facing a serious decline in birth rate, which poses immediate challenges for military recruitment and preparedness. The national airlines will launch the military personnel priority boarding service starting in July, “Great! Letting the people see the respect for the military! The Ministry of Transportation plans to expand the service to include military dependents in the second phase, which will be beneficial for military recruitment.”
Peng Jieshen pointed out that although it is currently only six Taiwanese airlines showing respect to the military, it can still elevate the social status of military personnel. He also hopes that the government will provide substantial benefits to the military in the future, such as offering military personnel a fifty percent discount on transportation.
Chen Shikai, Gu Lixiong, and China Airlines Chairman Gao Xinghuang, who spoke on behalf of the national airline industry, all acknowledged the contributions made by the military in safeguarding national security over the years.
Gao Xinghuang emphasized that soldiers are the backbone of the country, they undergo rigorous training in peacetime, and step forward in times of war. These dedication, courage, and loyalty are the cornerstone of the people’s peaceful and prosperous lives over the decades.
Chen Shikai expressed gratitude to the national airlines for providing the military personnel priority boarding service, not only to show respect for the military but also to echo President Lai Ching-te’s longstanding promotion of respecting and loving the military. This symbolizes the respect and appreciation for the military’s long-term protection of the country, allowing soldiers to feel the care and support of the people in their daily lives.
Chen Shikai mentioned that the Ministry of Transportation will continuously review, and in the case of convenient authentication for airlines operation, the plan is to expand to include military dependents in the second phase. “In the future, the Ministry of Transportation will continue to cooperate with all sectors to promote more meaningful and heartfelt service measures, expressing profound respect to our active duty military personnel.”
Gu Lixiong expressed gratitude to the industry for providing such a service and emphasized that this seemingly ordinary arrangement is a recognition and thanks to the military for their dedication to their duties. This elevation in the military’s status also enhances the honor of officers and soldiers, allowing them to receive the best interpretation of the value of their contributions to the country, believing that the military will feel doubly honored.
The Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation stated, “Starting July 1st, national airlines conducting boarding operations on flights will invite military personnel to board first through boarding announcements. Active duty military personnel present their military ID for identification, and can enjoy priority boarding on international flights operated by six national airlines, including China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, Mandarin Airlines, and UNI Air.”