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TAIPEI : Taipei and Shanghai have moved another step closer, thanks to a new air route between the city's Songshan Airport and Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport.
With the new link cutting travelling time between the two sides, Taiwanese officials said it could boost Taipei City's connection with other major Asian cities.
And the new direct flight, which began service on Monday, may be the symbol of hope for Taiwan's stagnant aviation industry.
"I'm so excited that we're leading Taiwan's aviation industry to recover from the global recession," said Wei Hsing Hsung, chairman of China Airlines.
There are already 28 flights between Songshan and Shanghai's Pudong International Airport every week.
But the connection to Hongqiao will bring Taipei closer to the inner city of Shanghai.
The new service is expected to cut at least two hours for business travellers, and allows them to make round trips in a single day.
Starting with four flights a day, the air link will also help meet the growing demand for direct flights from Shanghai to Taipei.
"After the opening up of cross-strait flight, the huge demand has made us to increase flights. The loading rate is high. We think cross-strait flight service is essential to Asia's air travel market," said Yeh Yong-Ching, director of Air Transport Division, Civil Aeronautics Administration.
Taipei Mayor Hau Long Bing is optimistic that the expansion of air links could boost Taipei's development.
"This will increase job opportunity. We hope to bring Chinese business to set up operation or research centre here. By doing so, we could further develop Taipei's trade and economy," said Mayor Hau.
The new air route is a major part of President Ma Ying-jeou's plan to boost Taipei's connections with Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul.
Taiwanese officials said the next step is to operate direct flights between Songshan Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport in October. - CNA /ls
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