The two pandas donated by the Mainland to Taiwan will fly to the island before Christmas. Mainland-based Air China and Taiwan-based EVA Air are in the running to take them.

The two pandas donated by the Mainland to Taiwan will fly to the island before Christmas.

Many carriers are competing for the honor of transporting Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan.

And the Mainland will send experts to escort the pair to Taipei.

Taiwan airline experts say only Air China and EVA Air have the right planes to accommodate the pandas, the veterinary surgeon and the keepers during the three-hour flight.