An official from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Wednesday urged airlines on both sides of the Taiwan straits to discuss the possibilities of establishing a direct charter flight for Taiwanese businessmen in the mainland back to Taiwan for the upcoming Spring Festival.

Pu Zhaozhou, in charge of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan affairs at the CAAC, said the CAAC has always understood and supported the idea of establishing a direct charter flight back to Taiwan for the Spring Festival. In fact, on Nov. 17 and again on Nov. 22, the CAAC expressed its support for the idea.

He noted that, despite some irrational conditions presented by Taiwan authorities, the CAAC continued to consider the interests of the Taiwan businessmen. He said that the CAAC had already revised and simplified the original aviation regulations and documents so that the charter flight may become a reality.

On Nov. 26, the CAAC submitted a "civil aviation application program for a periodic taking-off" to Taiwan airlines consortia.

He said the mainland had adopted an honest and practical attitude toward the application put forward by Taiwanese airlines.

However, details relating to departure and arrival times and how to examine passports will require further discussion and negotiation.

He said that the Spring Festival is approaching, and if an agreement is not reached, the Taiwanese businessmen will be deeply hurt. The CAAC therefore sincerely hopes that airlines on both sides of the straits will settle outstanding issues as soon as possible.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2002)