On the heals of the landmark crossstrait political deal to launch regular, direct weekend flights between Taiwan and Chinese mainland, carriers from both sides have begun eyeing strategic tie-ups.
China Southern Airlines and Taiwan’s largest carrier China Airlines (CAL) have signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation on daily operations covering direct cross-strait flights.
Under the agreement, both sides will strengthen strategic cooperation in passenger, cargo, maintenance, and ground handling operations. The two hope to leverage their respective strengths in safety, management, service and networks as well as provide greater choice and better service to passengers.
From 4 July, mainland and Taiwanese airlines will begin scheduled cross-strait services with China Airlines and one Taiwan’s largest carrier China Airlines will cooperate with China Southern Airlines on direct crossstrait flights. of its units Mandarin Airlines Co. Ltd. planning 29 direct weekend flights from Taiwan to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen, according to a statement by China Airlines.
China Southern Airlines, the country’s largest carrier, operates more than 330 aircraft and has the most extensive domestic air network. China Airlines owns 67 planes operating passenger and cargo services to 68 destinations in 25 countries.