Officials yesterday decided to extend the period of time that indirect charter flights can carry China-based Taiwanese businessmen coming home for the Chinese New Year holidays from 10 days to 16 days.
The government also allowed passengers to make their return trips by charter flights as well.
"In consideration of Taiwanese businessmen's convenience and the economic benefits of charter flights, we have decided to extend the operating period and are allowing flights to carry passengers from Taiwan to Shanghai," said Mainland Affairs Council's (MAC) Vice Chairman Chen Ming-tong (陳明通).
Chen made the remarks yesterday in a routine weekly news conference.
Originally, the government planned to allow indirect charter flights, which include a stopover in Hong Kong or Macau, to operate from Jan. 27 to Feb.5 and to only allow them to carry passengers while flying from Shanghai to Taiwan's CKS International Airport or Kaohsiung international airport.
The new plan extends the period from Jan. 26 to Feb. 10 and Taiwanese businessmen who take flights home to Taiwan can also take charter flights back to Shanghai, as long as they travel within the designated period.
Chinese New Year's Day falls on Feb. 1 next year.
In addition, Chen said Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) will cooperate with the China-based Taiwan Businessmen Association to provide a list of those who wish to take charter flights home.
The SEF's Secretary-General Shi Hwai-yow (許惠祐) said yesterday that the Taiwanese Businessmen Association is undertaking an investigation to see who is interested in the charter flights.
"In one week we will have an initial result and will further discuss the matter with the association," Shi said.
Once the passenger list is produced, domestic airline companies can start to apply for the license to operate the flights, though approval from the Chinese authorities is also required.
Responding to China's suggestion to allow Chinese airlines to join in the charter operation, Chen said, "A negotiation is needed."
Chen added that the government prefers the SEF to negotiate with its Chinese counterpart, the Association of Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, if talks over the matter are to be held.
Earlier this week, China said it would look positively on the matter if Taiwanese aviation companies came forward and make applications with the Chinese aviation authorities, but it also expressed its wish to allow Chinese airline companies to play a part.
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