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Two new direct cross-Straits air routes added

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-29 10:54

BEIJING: Two cross-Straits direct flight routes linking the Chinese mainland and Taiwan were launched at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, bringing the total of direct flights to three.

Related readings:  Hu, Ma vow to push up cross-Straits ties  Regular cross-Straits cruises to begin next year  Cross-Straits trade e-zone met with welcome  Mainland to boost cross-Straits cultural co-op  Cross-Straits undersea cable expected by year-end

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan started direct air and sea transport and postal services on December 15 amid warming ties, ending a 59-year ban on such links.

Previously, air and sea movements -- including mail -- had to rerouted through a third location.

The first direct cross-Straits flight route cut flight time significantly as planes are no longer required to fly through Hong Kong's airspace.