China Airlines has applauded a recent announcement by the Chinese government that Chinese nationals flying from the cities of Nanchang, Kunming and Chongqing will be allowed to transit through Taiwan before connecting onwards to other destinations.
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In a statement, the Taiwanese carrier welcomed the news and said: “The decision to allow Chinese nationals to transit through Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport is expected to increase the airport’s passenger volume and raise Taiwanese airlines’ international competitiveness. With new fleets of 777-300ERs and the upcoming delivery of A350 aircraft in July, we look forward to increasing passengers travelling to Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia after the latest policy officially hits the road.”
China Airlines’ chairman Sun Huang-Hsiang
In an interview with Business Traveller Asia-Pacific (see here) last year, China Airlines’ chairman Sun Huang-Hsiang noted that the expanded travel opportunities for mainland travellers connecting through Taiwan would be the first step in establishing the region as a major aviation hub that might see it one day compete with the likes of Hong Kong and Singapore.
“If Taiwan should be opened up as a transfer hub, our estimates suggest that over one million Chinese tourists may transfer through Taiwan’s airports on their way to the US, Australia or New Zealand. Passenger numbers will grow by more than 10 per cent compared to 2014,” he said.
For more information, visit china-airlines.com
Clement Huang
