An official from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)
Wednesday urged airlines on both sides of the Taiwan straits to
discuss the possibilities of establishing a direct charter flight
for Taiwanese businessmen in the mainland back to Taiwan for the
upcoming Spring Festival.
Pu
Zhaozhou, in charge of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan affairs at the
CAAC, said the CAAC has always understood and supported the idea of
establishing a direct charter flight back to Taiwan for the Spring
Festival. In fact, on Nov. 17 and again on Nov. 22, the CAAC
expressed its support for the idea.
He
noted that, despite some irrational conditions presented by Taiwan
authorities, the CAAC continued to consider the interests of the
Taiwan businessmen. He said that the CAAC had already revised and
simplified the original aviation regulations and documents so that
the charter flight may become a reality.
On
Nov. 26, the CAAC submitted a "civil aviation application program
for a periodic taking-off" to Taiwan airlines consortia.
He
said the mainland had adopted an honest and practical attitude
toward the application put forward by Taiwanese airlines.
However, details relating to departure and arrival times and how to
examine passports will require further discussion and
negotiation.
He
said that the Spring Festival is approaching, and if an agreement
is not reached, the Taiwanese businessmen will be deeply hurt. The
CAAC therefore sincerely hopes that airlines on both sides of the
straits will settle outstanding issues as soon as possible.
(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2002)