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Carriers push for progress on links

Taiwan-based air carriers are keenly hoping for direct transport links across the Taiwan Strait after President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) called for an early resumption of negotiations on the issue in his Oct. 10 National Day address.

Chen said that the government's executive branch is currently devising a plan to provide a convenient and swift way to facilitate charter flights for passengers and cargo. He voiced hope that cross-strait consultations can begin as soon as possible to seek further progress in the "three-links" policy.

China Airlines and EVA Airways Corporation -- Taiwan's two largest aviation companies -- said that Beijing should respond quickly to Chen's call since the move would benefit both sides.

Taking factors such as travel time, fuel costs and market share into consideration, they said that the technical issues of cargo travel are easier to handle. They urged Taiwan authorities to put forward concrete measures, such as allowing mainland China's carriers to offer the same services.

Taiwanese make about four million trips every year to China via a third country or area, incurring an extra cost of about NT$30 billion (US$890 million).

If extra flying time and fuel costs are added, the total cost for travelling through a third area -- usually Hong Kong or Macau -- is about NT$100 billion per year.

According to estimates by the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) , the volume of present indirect cargo travel between Taiwan and mainland China amounts to around 66,225 tonnes each year.

In an effort to tap the cross-strait market, China Airlines has signed an accord for joint operations with China's Air China, China Southern Airlines Co, Ltd. and China Eastern Air, Ltd.

The MAC has announced that future cross-strait routes will be open to six carriers based in Taiwan.

An assessment by the Taipei Aviation Industry Association shows that direct cross-strait air links will help passengers flying between the two sides save some 50 percent in travel time on single trips and that carriers can save from US$50,000 to US$80,000 in operating costs on a round trip.
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