Taiwan election result to benefit Taiwan-China services as airlines expand services for New Year

This weekend's re-election of a Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) President in the Republic of China (Taiwan) is good news for airlines operating between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China.

Since non-stop cross-straits services began in 2009, airlines from both sides have profited from a relaxation in access, with steep gains in direct city pair operations.

There had been concerns that a loss by President Ma Ying-jeou would mean his liberal attitude to relations with the mainland would be reversed under a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. It was President Ma's influence that helped remove restrictions on direct flights.

The KMT's win should more or less mean business as usual - and a continuation of the expansion of cross-straits air travel.