The first flight of the second northern direct air route linking the Chinese mainland and Taiwan left Shanghai for Taipei at 10:42 a.m. Wednesday.

The flight was carried out by Taiwan TransAsia Airways.

Two cross-Straits direct flight routes linking the Chinese mainland and Taiwan were launched at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, adding the total to three.

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan started direct air and sea transport and postal services on Dec. 15 last year, ending a 59-year ban on such links. Previously, air and sea movements -- including mail -- had to reroute through a third location.

The first direct cross-Straits flight route cut flight time significantly as planes are no longer required to fly through Hong Kong's airspace.

(Xinhua News  Agency July 29, 2009)