China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines inaugurated direct weekend charter flight between Taoyuan and Nanjing operated by a Taiwanese carrier. China Airlines Chairman Philip Wei and Mandarin Airlines Chairman Harris Wang flew on the inaugural flight to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony upon their arrival at Nanjing Airport, witnessing a historic moment that marks a further step forward in cross-strait ties. An aircraft with CAL’s special ‘Taiwan fruit’ livery was used for the first flight.

When the inaugural flight arrived in Nanjing, airport authorities and airline representatives cordially welcomed Chairman Wei and his group from Taiwan. Mr. Xu Yong, Vice President of Nanjing Lukou International Airport Co., officiated at the celebration. VIPs included Mr. Yu Cheng-an, President of Nanjing Lukou International Airport Co., and other officials and honorable guests from Taiwan and Nanjing.

“As Taiwan’s largest carrier in terms of fleet and network, we are confident that CAL will provide the best service to business travelers and families flying between Nanjing and Taoyuan, using a modern A330-300 aircraft equipped with roomy seats and advanced inflight entertainment systems,” said China Airlines Chairman Mr. Wei, addressing the ceremony.

China Airlines will operate a total of five round-trip charter flights directly to Nanjing in November, with one return flight every Saturday. Flight CI-7995 departs at 9:30am from Taoyuan International Airport and arrives in Nanjing at 12:30pm. The return flight CI-7996 departs from Nanjing at 1:45pm and arrives in Taoyuan at 4:45pm.  Airbus 330-300 aircraft will be used for the charters, providing two-class service that includes 36 business class seats and 277 economy class seats.

China Airlines operates a fleet of 67 modern aircraft, with an average age of just 6 years, making it one of the youngest fleets in the world. CAL now operates cargo and passenger services to 67 destinations in 25 countries.