Spring Airlines to become first mainland LCC and private airline to operate cross-Strait services

Spring Airlines confirmed (08-Oct-2013) plans to launch three times weekly Shanghai Pudong-Kaohsiung service with A320 equipment from 27-Oct-2013, becoming the first mainland LCC as well as the first mainland private carrier to operate cross-Strait services. The carrier stated it will not only gain advantage through its fares, which are 30%-40% lower than the industry average, but will also introduce business and economy seats, seat selection through micro blogging, booking through WeChat platform, air and rail services as well as its CNY99 (USD15.5) promotional fares. Reservation for the service opened on 01-Oct-2013. Spring Airlines chairman Wang Zhenghua said the carrier will recruit flight crew, cabin crew and ground service staff based in b to serve cross-Strait passengers. Mr Wang also said the carrier plans to add more flights on the route soon and open another direct fight to Taipei late this year. [more - original PR - Chinese]