The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) approved the application of four Taiwan air companies to fly over China's mainland Friday, said sources with CAAC.

The four air companies are Eva Airways Corp., China Airlines, UNI Airways Corp. and Mandarin Airlines.

 

According to CAAC, China's mainland will open its airspace to airlines of the four air companies from Taipei and Gaoxiong cities to certain destinations as of Sep. 5.

 

CAAC has notified concerned departments to make full technological preparations to supply security, high-quality and reliable services to the above-mentioned airlines.

 

The move is helpful for airlines from Taiwan to save flying time, reduce cost, and improve efficiency and competitiveness.

 

"CAAC will, as always, try its best to do everything it could if it is good for the Taiwan people, the civil aviation industry and direct flights across the Taiwan Straits," said a CAAC official.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2005)