Cross-Straits charter flights to start

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China reports that Cross-Straits charter flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan will operate for the upcoming Spring Festival between February 1st and 15th.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China  reports that Cross-Straits charter flights between  the Chinese mainland and Taiwan will operate for the  upcoming Spring Festival between February 1st and 15th. (CCTV.com)

This year's Spring Festival, the first day of the first month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, falls on February 7th. It is the most important festive occasion for Chinese who traditionally celebrate with a major family reunion.

About 4 million people from Taiwan visit the Chinese mainland each year and an increasing number of Taiwan residents stay on the other side of the Taiwan Straits for business and study.

But no direct regular flights have been available across the Taiwan Straits. The two sides worked out a solution of operating non=stop charter flights at festivals. The first non-stop charter flights were launched in 2005.