Historic charter flights between China and Taiwan got off to a smooth start at the end of January, with China Southern Airlines operating the first non-stop service across the Taiwan Strait since 1949.
On 29 January, China Southern Airlines and Taipei-based China Airlines began the flights with services to Taipei from Guangzhou and from Taipei to Beijing respectively.
Flights took place for 23 days up to 20 February carrying Taiwanese business travellers living in China home for the Chinese New Year holidays. Airlines from both sides hope the temporary arrangements will eventually become permanent.
China considers Taiwan a renegade province and non-stop flights had been banned since 1949. Early in January the two sides agreed a landmark deal to allow six airlines from each to operate a combined total of 48 round-trip services over the holiday period.
Source: Airline Business
