TAIPEI: Local carriers have pledged to look into the feasibility of lowering ticket prices for flights between Taiwan and the mainland, according to an official of the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA).

Taiwan's six carriers, which operate cross-Straits flight services, gave the pledge Monday during a meeting with the agency to discuss how the increased number of flights between Taiwan and the mainland - agreed upon April 26 - will be distributed.

Many cross-Straits travelers have complained about expensive airfare for charter flights.

"During Monday's meeting, we asked airline executives about the feasibility of cutting cross-Straits ticket prices. They responded that there is room for discussion, but a final decision will depend on the market situation and the number of flights each airline is allowed to increase," the CAA official said.

On how to distribute increased flights, the official said, airline executives only expressed their companies' stances and failed to reach any consensus or conclusion.

"More discussions will be needed to resolve the issue," he added.

According to an agreement signed by Taiwan and the mainland April 26, the number of direct cross-Straits flights will be raised from the current 108 charter flights per week to 270 and some of them will be regularly scheduled flights taking off and landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport.

Meanwhile, Beijing agreed to open six more destinations for such flights in addition to the current 21 cities.

The number of cargo flights, which now stands at 30 per month, will be increased to 112.

The new agreement will take effect after both sides complete their domestic procedures.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 05/06/2009 page16)