Sit Back and relax…

…is the mantra of EVA Air general manager Jeff Chiao wherever he goes. If he’s on vacation, he’s already mellowed out en route. If he’s traveling on business, he’s clear-headed enough to get the work done quickly when he lands

This is Jeff Chiao’s first posting abroad and he’s only been in the Philippines seven months, but already he’s checked out the lay of the land, so to speak. Before being posted here,
Jeff was in EVA Air’s head office in Taipei, Taiwan, where he is originally from, and where, he admits, laughing, “I was in charge of the Philippines.” So he sort of knows a lot about this country. “I always tell people who want to come here
that Filipinos are nice and very friendly.” An avid diver, he’s already gone diving in Boracay and will soon be checking out other dive spots in the country. Here, he shares with us some of his fail-safe travel must-dos.

In a given year, how often do you travel?
Too many times! I’ve been with EVA Air for a long time and I’m always traveling. I also like exploring
other countries when I’m on vacation.

Where do you go when you’re on vacation?
I like islands like Hawaii. I like the sea and nature. I love to go scuba diving as well. In fact, I got my license to dive in Boracay. I plan to do more diving here soon.

Because you travel so often, what do you do on long-haul flights to pass the time?
I read. My advice is to bring a favorite or entertaining book—like bestsellers.

What about work? Do you ever work on the plane?
No, I don’t. I prefer to just relax. Maybe an hour or so before landing, I’ll open my notes or check my schedule for what I need to do when I land. But on the plane, no.

Well, you’re certainly different from other businessmen who immediately whip out their briefcase or laptops and start working once the plane’s airborne.
Sometimes I’ll bring my iPod for music, and I bring my two mobile phones. But I don’t even bring a laptop.

What do you bring when you travel?
I only generally have a handcarry. In it would be my notes, some shirts, a suit, another tie… depends on how many days I’ll be traveling. And my toiletries and personal items, of course.

Do you have any seat preference?
If flying business class, it’s always good to choose the window seat because it’s more private and there’s enough space to maneuver if you need to go to the toilet. If flying economy, get an aisle seat to make it easier to go to the toilet. Then again, I almost always fly business class.

In EVA Air, you’re very proud of your Evergreen Deluxe Class. Tell us more.
Yes, we are. Aside from our reputation for air safety (see sidebar), Evergreen is what EVA Air is known for. Spacious seating—rows are positioned 38 inches apart—you have your own video entertainment system, we even serve hot congee in fine bone china! We’re one of the first airlines to have something
like this—a section that is in between business class and economy but has all the comforts found only in
the business class of other airlines.

What’s a fail-safe travel tip that you follow?
To make traveling easier, you should be as comfortable and relaxed as in your own home. Immediately after boarding, take off your coat, your tie, and wear the socks provided on the plane. And try to relax. Get a drink (laughs). I’m finding that the younger executives don’t really dress up while traveling, unlike our fathers before us. I always wear casual but neat-looking clothes—comfortable slacks, shirt, and shoes.

Most frequent fliers are more familiar with the airports they pass through than the city they’re
going to. Do you have a particular favorite?
I like Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. It’s huge! There are many places to look around in. I also love the architecture. And because it has a lot of smoking rooms (laughs).

So how do you manage long-haul flights, when you can’t smoke?
I drink to relax—and to help me settle down to sleep (laughs).