AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Taiwan-based airlines have launched flights through Chinese airspace today (5 September) for the first time in more than 50 years.

China Airlines and EVA Airways reportedly launched flights that were due to fly through Chinese mainland airspace two days after approval was given by the Chinese authorities, a month after the authorities in Taiwan agreed to using Chinese airspace. An aircraft operated by EVA Airways took off for Paris, France and another for Vientiane, Laos, according to The Associated Press. A cargo flight from Vienna, Austria and a passenger flight for Hanoi, Vietnam were flown through Chinese airspace by China Airlines.

China Airlines expects to fly a total of 52 flights, both cargo and passenger flights, while EVA expects to operate 42 flights through Chinese mainland airspace each week.

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