| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SHANGHAI : Regular direct weekend flights between mainland China and Taiwan are set for take-off on Friday for the first time in nearly 60 years.
Previously, direct flights across the Taiwan Strait have been chartered and operated only during major holidays.
In preparation for this historic event, passengers flying on China Eastern Airlines will receive a special treat.
Yue Xiulan, Deputy General Manager of China Eastern Airlines, said: "We will be using the best food and best crew to welcome our Taiwan customers. Because the flight is relatively short, first class passengers will have several options.
"Hot meals include... pork stew - which is favoured by both Taiwan and Shanghai customers - and seafood noodle. Cold dishes include abalone and a special salad, and the soup we are serving is sharks' fin soup."
Even though it is a direct flight, it is not a direct route. All carriers will still have to fly via Hong Kong, so even though the flight time is shorter, there is still not much of savings for passengers.
Both China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines are charging about US$530 for return flights.
But it is still good news for those missing home.
Taiwanese Paula Lei said: "It's good because I can go back more often... Now, if you miss the food and your family, you can go home faster, and also get back to work faster."
In total, 11 airlines from the mainland and Taiwan will take off between Friday and Monday for the first regular direct flights. They will depart from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Nanjing.
The first carrier to leave from the mainland will be China Southern Airlines. It departs Guangzhou at 6.30am on Friday and arrives in Taipei Tao Yuan two hours later.
Shanghai will have a total of four flights departing on Friday - the most departures compared to the rest of the other cities. This is because Shanghai is home to the largest population of Taiwanese, with unofficial figures putting that number at more than half a million. - CNA /ls
|
