On July 4, 2008, at 12:50 p.m., Air China's CA195 aircraft marked the successful beginning of cross-strait weekend charter flights out of Shanghai. All seats on the specially chartered "Olympic Fuwa" aircraft were sold out. On the same day, Air China's new luxury passenger plane A330 "Alliance" began its first flight from Beijing to Taipei.

For the Shanghai base of Air China, security and smooth running of the cross-strait weekend flights is an important task and a way to bridge communication from one side of the strait to the other.All leaders and ground staff at he Shanghai base, led by Secretary Wang Changshan, were at the terminal early the first morning.To mark the significance of this trip, the Shanghai base offered flowers and a model of the "Olympic Fuwa" aircraft to the first business-class passenger.Mr. Teng Juntse’s family of three were the first passengers and happily accepted the gifts from Air China.Photos were taken with Vice President Li Xiaoyan and ground staff at the Shanghai base.The final passenger was accompanied to the boarding gate by Secretary Wang Changshan at 11:50 a.m.

Air China's cross-strait weekend flights include a Beijing-Taipei route and a Shanghai-Taipei route.The luxury passenger jet, A330 and two aircrafts named Lucky and Olympics will operate on the following routes.

Schedule for the Beijing-Taipei route:

Flight Number:CA185/6

Frequency:Two flights per week (5/7)

Aircraft type:A330 (for the first flight) and B738 (normally)

Time:Departs from Beijing at 8:30 a.m. and arrives Taipei at 1:00 p.m.Departs from Taipei at 2:05 p.m. and arrives in Beijing at 6:20 p.m.

Schedule for the Shanghai-Taipei route:

Flight Number:CA195/6

Frequency:Two flights per week (5/7)

Aircraft type:B738

Time:Departs Shanghai Pudong Airport at 12:50 p.m. and arrives Taipai at 4:00 p.m.  Departs Taipei at 5:00 p.m. and arrives Shanghai Pudong Airport at 7:50 p.m.

Through the launch of the cross-strait weekend charter flights, Air China will be providing an opportunity for compatriots in Taiwan to enjoy the benefits of its worldwide network. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport can now offer more choices to Taiwanese passengers on international routes.

Considerate and unique service is being provided by Air China with experienced air crews who have flown on previous cross-strait chartered flights.  These include Air China's model cabin service team and the National Youth Civilization "Jin Feng" team. Food and beverage service has been expanded to include Taiwanese characteristics as well as old Beijing flavors.  Passengers can enjoy seafood with tofu, chicken with three different spices, Taiwan minced meat sauce with rice, mango mousse, pineapple shortcake and other authentic Taiwanese dishes as well as Beijing local specialties like Beijing roast duck and Eight Pastries.

Although Air China has experience in operating cross-strait holiday charter flights, which served mostly Taiwanese business people, the passenger demographic of the new cross-strait weekend flights will be quite different.  Air China will serve mainland tour groups, business travel, and families visiting relatives.  To deal with these changes, Air China is dedicated to paying strict attention to offering personalized service.

Air China has signed cooperation agreements with China Airlines and EVA Airways Corporation for assistance with ground services, fuel supply, aircraft maintenance and catering.  Local professionals have been consulted regarding legal matters, business registration and taxation related to setting up an office in Taiwan.  Air China also met with major travel agents in Taiwan to discuss marketing cooperation and product packaging.  Other airlines in Taiwan have been contacted and inspections were made at Taoyuan, Songshan and Kaohsiung Airports.  It's no doubt that Air China was fully prepared before it initiated it's first cross-strait weekend flight.

Ten personalized painted aircrafts will be operated by Air China on the Taiwan routes.