Non-stop flights to Taipei-London

CNA Taiwan's largest airliner China Airlines CAL launched a Taipei-London non-stop route Sunday, turning a new page in air links between Taiwan and the United Kingdom.The inauguration of the Taipei London non-stop flight service using the Airbus A340-300 edges CAL into the top position among local airlines in terms of the number of European destinations.

CAL's three round-trip direct flights per week between London and Taipei brings its number of regular weekly flights to Europe to 21.In addition to London, the airline offers non-stop flight service to two other cities in Europe Frankfurt and Vienna.Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and London's Heathrow Airport Sunday to mark the launch of the new service.Addressing the ceremony at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal One, CAL Chairman Philip Wei said the opening of the Taipei London non stop flights will significantly narrow the gap between Taiwan and the U.K.

The flights will not only facilitate business and leisure travel between the two sides, but will also allow travelers from the U.K. to transit to other Asian cities using CAL's extended flight networks, he said.CAL attaches great importance to the U.K. market and will continue to strive to make Taiwan a regional air transport hub in the Asian Pacific, Wei said.The non-stop service comes in the wake of Britain's inclusion a year ago of Taiwan on its list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa free entry for periods of up to six-months.In an effort to capitalize on the opportunities for increased travel to the United Kingdom by Taiwanese students, tourists and business people, CAL said, it will also work with major travel agencies to provide various package tours to London.