China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines will inaugurate weekend direct cross-strait charter flights to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Xiamen on July 4.

The new schedule results from a thawing of regulations governing air traffic between Taiwan and Mainland China.

Along with launching the weekend charter flights, China Airlines is offering a variety of promotions for Dynasty Package tours beginning on July 4, and continuing until August 31. It includes a point-to-point trip of three days and two nights to Shanghai, to Suzhou (via Shanghai), and to Beijing. Dynasty Frequent Flyer Program members who fly to these destinations with Dynasty Package tours will receive an NT$ 500 cash discount, 500 air miles, a revised luggage weight allowance, and high priority in seat selection.

The inaugural flights will be marked by considerable festivities. China Airlines says to reflect the spirit of cooperation, it will provide greetings and on-board announcements in local dialects, including Shanghainese, Cantonese, and the Minnan dialect.

The in-flight service will provide a film depicting the beauty of Taiwan, and Kinmen's famous Kaoliang Liquor is available for duty free shopping. Also, every on-board passenger will receive a souvenir of 2008 cross-strait Charter Flight Memorial Stamps, on initial flights to Shanghai, Beijing and Xiamen on July 4.

China Airlines has also allied with Formosa International Hotel Corporation for the weekend charter flight meals. "The menu will integrate with famous icons of the National Palace Museum, and provide unique dishes to Dynasty Class passengers, including Banded Jasper Resembling a Slab of Meat, Jadeite Cabbage with Insects, Cloisonne Heavenly Fowl Shaped Vessel, Jade Vase in the Shape of a Horned Fish, and so on."

Meanwhile, China Airlines and Mandarine Airlines will provide Taiwanese cuisine to Economy Class passengers. Mandarine Airlines will also serve meals with Taichung's specialty, Sun Biscuit and Taiwan's seasonal fruit.