Three Taiwan airlines have applied to launch Taipei-Shanghai charter flights during the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays, Taipei media reported Sunday.

Airlines filed the application with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) are China Airlines (CAL), Mandarin Airlines and Far East Air Transport Corp.

According to CAL's plan, a Boeing 747-400 will be used to launch the charter flights. A representative from CAL said there are some 300,000 Taiwan businessmen in Shanghai, among whom some 3,000 are planning to take charter flights back to Taiwan for New Year. The Chinese New Year, beginning on Feb. 1, is the most important festival for Chinese all over the world.

CAAC issued a "civil aviation application program for a period that is taking-off" in November to Taiwan airlines consortia. Its officials have been urging airlines on both sides of the Taiwan straits to discuss the possibilities of direct charter flights and settle the issue as soon as possible.

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2002)