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CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Picture dated 05 April 2006 shows a Cathay Pacific plane refueling at Hong Kong International Airport, China. Citic Pacific Ltd. and Swire Pacific Ltd. said they're in talks to unwind the complex shareholdings of three of the best-known airlines flying in the region. Citic Pacific, which owns 26 percent of Cathay Pacific, wants to reduce its holdings in the airlines. Cathay Pacific may buy the entire 28.5 percent of Dragon Airlines owned by Citic Pacific, Hong Kong's Apple Daily said Tuesday, 11 April 2006. EPA/PAUL HILTON

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Gonkar Airport.Tourists arriving at Gonkar Airport near Lhasa, Tibet. Tibet is known by many as 'the roof of the world'; a land of majestic mountains, exotic culture and gentle people. It lay largely undiscovered by the rest of the world until the beginning of the 20th century, but has since fascinated travellers seeking the unspoilt and more remote corners of the globe. (KEYSTONE/CAMERA PRESS/Stanislav Mundil / CTK) === ===

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

The newly built airport at Wuhai, in China's northern Inner Mongolia region, is framed by the mountain range which carries the coal that is a linchpin of the city's survival, March 2, 2004. Wuhai is looking to its airport - and the arriving passengers who use it - as a path to an outside world it needs to prosper. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Aerial view of Hong Kong International Airport, Saturday 29 November 2003. The airport was completed in 1997, the year of the handover of the territory back to China. A downturn in tourism traffic and increasing competition from four other international airports in the Pearl River Delta has hindered business but Hong Kong is now working on a number of ambitious projects to revitalise its economy after 6 years of lacklustre performance. Economists have revised growth rates upwards repeatedly this year and now estimate a 4.5% year on year increase in GDP. (KEYSTONE/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW)

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KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Xiaoshan airport, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, airplane, runway, night, illumination, transportation, Asia, China. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Beijing, airport, Asia, China, city, transportation, traffic, air freight, airplane. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - cockpit, instrument panel, business airplane, transportation, pilot, Hawk800, China, Asia. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Beijing, waiting hall, flight schedule, traffic, Asia, China, crowds, person, airport. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Beijing, waiting hall, airport, Asia, China, traffic, passengers, sign board. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Sichuan, Chengdu, Asia, China, city, transportation, airport, modern architecture, lawn, flowers, flagpole, street lights, clock towewr, sky. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/Str) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Asia, China, city, transportation, Xiaoshan International Airport, building, front view, grassland, stones, trees. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/Str) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT SHENZHEN

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Guangdong, Shenzhen, Futian Airport, Asia, China, city, travel, transportation, airport, street, grassland, buildings, runway, horizon, sky, panoramic, view from above. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/Str) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Shanghai, Pudong, China, Asia, transportation, International Airport, nightscape, illumination, lights, arrival, street, architecture, roof, detail. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/Str) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT SHANGHAI

KATALOG PANORAMA CHINA - Shanghai, Pudong, China, Asia, transportation, International Airport, airfield, bridge, street, airplane, nightscape, illumination, lights, arrival, architecture, horizon, view from above. (KEYSTONE/Panorama Stock/Str) === , MODEL RELEASED === [Stockbild]

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A China Eastern aeroplane taxis on the runway after refueling at the Beijing Capital Airport, Tuesday 31 August 2004. Global oil consumption during 2004 is expected to see the largest increase in thirty years largely due to rising demand in China, say analysts. China raised domestic fuel prices last week in another attempt to cool the booming economy. (KEYSTONE/EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A China Eastern aeroplane taxis on the runway after refueling at the Beijing Capital Airport, Tuesday 31 August 2004. Global oil consumption during 2004 is expected to see the largest increase in thirty years largely due to rising demand in China, say analysts. China raised domestic fuel prices last week in another attempt to cool the booming economy. (KEYSTONE/EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A traveler waits for the boarding call at the airport in Shenzhen, China 22 August 2004. China's air transportation industry represents one of the fastest growing markets in the world, having averaged a stunning 20% annual rate for the past two and half decades, while industry experts predict the market to grow 5 times of its current volume by year 2022. EPA/Qilai Shen

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Pedestrians walk past a decommissioned Air China jet at a shopping mall in the south China coastal city Zhuhai Friday 07 August 2004. China is one of the fastest growing air transport regions in the world and is now being eyed by budget carriers such as Virgin air as demand expands. (KEYSTONE/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Pedestrians walk past a decommissioned Air China jet at a shopping mall in the south China coastal city Zhuhai Friday 07 August 2004. China is one of the fastest growing air transport regions in the world and is now being eyed by budget carriers such as Virgin air as demand expands. (KEYSTONE/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

An aerial view of the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, southern China, Saturday 31 July 2004. The new Baiyun International Airport was originally due to open on June 28, but over 200 problems surfaced, forcing administrators to move back the first touchdowns until August 05. EPA/IMAGINECHINA

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

An aerial view of the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, southern China, Saturday 31 July 2004. The new Baiyun International Airport was originally due to open on June 28, but over 200 problems surfaced, forcing administrators to move back the first touchdowns until August 05. EPA/IMAGINECHINA

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

An aerial view of the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, southern China, Saturday 31 July 2004. The new Baiyun International Airport was originally due to open on June 28, but over 200 problems surfaced, forcing administrators to move back the first touchdowns until August 05. EPA/IMAGINECHINA

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

An airplane lands at the old Baiyun airport in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, southern China, Sunday 01 August 2004. The new Baiyun International Airport was originally due to open on June 28, but over 200 problems surfaced, forcing administrators to move back the first touchdowns until August 05. EPA/CHAO XIAO

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Chinese security guards stand on duty near models of Chinese airplanes at the Chinese civil aviation authorities in Beijing, China, Saturday, July 24, 2004. China and the United States signed an aviation agreement Saturday to expand flights in the booming market between the two countries and drop most restrictions on each other's airlines. The pact will increase the number of passenger and cargo flights allowed for Chinese and U.S. carriers in stages over the next six years, rising from the current 54 per week to 249. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A Chinese man smokes near model airplanes on display at the Chinese civil aviation authorities in Beijing, China, Saturday, July 24, 2004. China and the United States signed an aviation agreement Saturday to expand flights in the booming market between the two countries and drop most restrictions on each other's airlines. The pact will increase the number of passenger and cargo flights allowed for Chinese and U.S. carriers in stages over the next six years, rising from the current 54 per week to 249. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Cargo is carried past jets waiting at Beijing airport Wednesday July 14, 2004. Airbus officials say they expect air passenger traffic in China to increase to five times their current levels in the next 20 years, according to the China Daily newspaper. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Passengers prepare to board an Air China jet at Beijing airport Wednesday, July 14, 2004. Airbus officials say they expect air passenger traffic in China to increase to five times their current levels in the next 20 years, according to the China Daily newspaper. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

An Air China jet taxis above an underpass at Beijing airport Wednesday July 14, 2004. Airbus officials say they expect air passenger traffic in China to increase to five times their current levels in the next 20 years, according to the China Daily newspaper. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A Shandong Airlines jet, foreground, sits on the tarmac in front of three Air China airliners at Beijing airport show in this May 21, 2003 photo. China has given preliminary approval to the country's second and third private airlines, newspapers and airlines said Tuesday, in a further step to boost service and competitiveness in the troubled sector. (KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

** ONE OF A SERIES OF STAND ALONE PHOTO PACKAGE ** Workers assemble a civilian airplane made under a joint venture between a Brazilian aviation company and the Harbin Aviation Industry Group Corporation at a factory in Harbin, Northeastern China, Friday, May 21, 2004. Formed from two separate companies recently, the group now produces 300,000 automobiles, 100 planes and helicopters, 650,000 auto motors annually, hiring 27,000 workers. The restructuring comes amid attempts by the Chinese government to rejuvenate its old industrial bases in the Northeast. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

** ONE OF A SERIES OF STAND ALONE PHOTO PACKAGE ** A Brazilian and a Chinese worker assemble a civilian airplane made under a joint venture between a Brazilian aviation company and the Harbin Aviation Industry Group Corporation at a factory in Harbin, Northeastern China, Friday, May 21, 2004. Formed from two separate companies recently, the group now produces 300,000 automobiles, 100 planes and helicopters, 650,000 auto motors annually, hiring 27,000 workers. The restructuring comes amid attempts by the Chinese government to rejuvenate its old industrial bases in the Northeast. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

** ONE OF A SERIES OF STAND ALONE PHOTO PACKAGE ** A Brazilian engineer works on a civilian airplane made under a joint venture between a Brazilian aviation company and the Harbin Aviation Industry Group Corporation at a factory in Harbin, Northeastern China, Friday, May 21, 2004. Formed from two separate companies recently, the group now produces 300,000 automobiles, 100 planes and helicopters, 650,000 auto motors annually, hiring 27,000 workers. The restructuring comes amid attempts by the Chinese government to rejuvenate its old industrial bases in the Northeast. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

** ONE OF A SERIES OF STAND ALONE PHOTO PACKAGE ** Workers assemble a civilian airplane made under a joint venture between a Brazilian aviation company and the Harbin Aviation Industry Group Corporation at a factory in Harbin, Northeastern China, Friday, May 21, 2004. Formed from two separate companies recently, the group now produces 300,000 automobiles, 100 planes and helicopters, 650,000 auto motors annually, hiring 27,000 workers. The restructuring comes amid attempts by the Chinese government to rejuvenate its old industrial bases in the Northeast. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Passengers look on from a departure lounge as a China Southern Airlines Boeing 737 takes off from Shanghai's Hongqiao airport Thursday April 8, 2004. China's State Council last month approved a plan to give local airlines more freedom in setting ticket prices. Beginning on April 20 China's domestic airlines will be able to charge as much as 25 percent above and 45 percent below an official price benchmark of 0.75 yuan (US$0.40) per passenger kilometer for domestic flight tickets, part of ongoing efforts to further liberalize the country's aviation industry. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Ground staff at Beijing Capital Airport work beneath parked civil airliners, Monday, 22 March. China is one of the largest markets for new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus but has recently alarmed some by announcing plans to intensify development of its own medium haul aircraft within 5 years. EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Embraer 170 jet takes off on a demonstration flight over Swissair at Hong Kongs Chek Lap Kok Airport Friday 19 March 2004 . Embraer China believes that strengthened economic ties beween mainland china and the Hong Kong region , more direct flights are expected to be in operation between Hong Kong and mid sized cities on the mainland in the future and hopes that Embraer 170/190 family of aircraft would be the most ideal way of air travel EPA/PAUL HILTON

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Three female deputies from southwest China's Yunnan Province to the forthcoming second session of the 10th National People's Congress arrive at the airport in Beijing Monday, March 1, 2004. (AP Photo / Xinhua )

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Iran flight 800, Boeing 747 from Beijing to Tokyo was forced to an emergency landing in Beijing International Airport after front landing gear disfunctions, Thursday 15 January 2004. Nobody was hurt. EPA/IMAGINECHINA

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Visitors get onboard a prototype of Chinese home-grown 70-seat jet ARJ-21S at Shanghai International Industrial Fair 2003 in Shanghai, China, 06 November 2003. The plane, developed by China Aviation Industry Corp I (AVICI), aims to satisfy the growing needs in the domestic aviation market which expects over 1,900 new aircrafts by 2020. EPA/DAVID SHEN

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

An aeroplane taxis on a runway over the expressway, at the Beijing Capital International Airport, Monday 27 October 2003. According to industry analysts, 90 percent of Chinese domestic airports are losing money, prompting the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to transfer the management rights of 93 airports to provincial govermnents before the end of the year. The restructuring will allow investment from private foreign funds, with the exception of the Beijing Capital International Airport and other airports in the politically sensitive Tibet Autonomous Region. EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A visitor to the China Aviation exhibition checks the latest brochures as he views the Airbus consortium stand at the International Exhibition Centre in Beijing Thursday18 September 2003. China has enjoyed double digit growth in civil aviation over the last decade and analysts point to massive expansion of military air power too. This has the result that suppliers from all over the world are flocking to the one major bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global aviation industry. EPA PHOTO/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A visitor to the China Aviation exhibition checks models of the latest civil airliners at the Boeing stand at the International Exhibition Centre in Beijing Thursday18 September 2003. China has enjoyed double digit growth in civil aviation over the last decade and analysts point to massive expansion of military air power too. This has the result that suppliers from all over the world are flocking to the one major bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global aviation industry. EPA PHOTO/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Visitors to the China Aviation exhibition checks the latest fighter planes on offer at the China Aviation Industry Corporation stand at the International Exhibition Centre in Beijing Thursday 18 September 2003. China has enjoyed double digit growth in civil aviation over the last decade and analysts point to massive expansion of military air power too. This has the result that suppliers from all over the world are flocking to the one major bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global aviation industry. EPA PHOTO/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A visitor to the China Aviation exhibition checks the latest brochures at the China Aviation Industry Corporation stand at the International Exhibition Centre in Beijing Thursday18 September 2003. China has enjoyed double digit growth in civil aviation over the last decade and analysts point to massive expansion of military air power too. This has the result that suppliers from all over the world are flocking to the one major bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global aviation industry. EPA PHOTO/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A visitor to the China Aviation exhibition check models of the latest civil airliners at the Airbus consortium stand at the International Exhibition Centre in Beijing Thursday 18 September 2003. China has enjoyed double digit growth in civil aviation over the last decade and analysts point to massive expansion of military air power too. This has the result that suppliers from all over the world are flocking to the one major bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global aviation industry. EPA PHOTO/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Picture dated 05 September 2003 of the New Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou China. An unidentified Chinese worker mans a truck before laying tar to the driveway leading up to the New Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou China 05 September 2003. China Southern Airlines, currently the largest airline in China, announced on 26 August 2003 that major constructions of the new airport is now complete. After a series of testings, the 450 million euros and 300,000 square meter complex, the largest in Southeast Asia, is scheduled for its grand opening in June 2004. EPA PHOTO/EPA/QILAI SHEN//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Picture dated 05 September 2003 of the New Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou China. Picture of the western terminal of the New Baiyun Airport in Guangzhou China 05 September 2003. China Southern Airlines, currently the largest airline in China, announced on 26 August 2003 that major constructions of the new airport is now complete. After a series of testings, the 450 million euros and 300,000 square meter complex, the largest in Southeast Asia, is scheduled for its grand opening in June 2004. EPA PHOTO/EPA/QILAI SHEN//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Two hostesses holding bouquets stand beside a Finnair AY057 flight in Pudong Airport in Shanghai, 3 September 2003. Finnair added a three times weekly flight service from Helsinki to Shanghai starting from September 2. As memories of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome fade, airlines are restoring service to the Asia-Pacific region that they suspended during SARS travel bans, and some are initiating new flights. EPA PHOTO/FEATURECHINA/ZHU GANG//

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

The first A340-600 lands at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport on Wednesday, 30 July, 2003. China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its first A340-600, the first of five on order from Airbus. Another two A340-600s and seven A320s will join the airline's fleet this year. Two A340- 600s are scheduled for delivery in 2004. China Eastern herewith becomes the first operator of the ultra-long haul and high-capacity Airbus aircraft in the Chinese mainland, and the fifth worldwide, following Virgin Atlantic Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, South African Airways and Iberia. EPA PHOTO/Imaginechina/Zhu gang

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

The first A340-600 lands at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport on Wednesday, 30 July, 2003. China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its first A340-600, the first of five on order from Airbus. Another two A340-600s and seven A320s will join the airline's fleet this year. Two A340- 600s are scheduled for delivery in 2004. China Eastern herewith becomes the first operator of the ultra-long haul and high-capacity Airbus aircraft in the Chinese mainland, and the fifth worldwide, following Virgin Atlantic Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, South African Airways and Iberia. EPA PHOTO/Imaginechina/Zhu gang

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

The first A340-600 lands at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport on Wednesday, 30 July, 2003. China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its first A340-600, the first of five on order from Airbus. Another two A340-600s and seven A320s will join the airline's fleet this year. Two A340- 600s are scheduled for delivery in 2004. China Eastern herewith becomes the first operator of the ultra-long haul and high-capacity Airbus aircraft in the Chinese mainland, and the fifth worldwide, following Virgin Atlantic Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, South African Airways and Iberia. EPA PHOTO/Imaginechina/Zhu gang

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Planes refuel, taxi and land at Dalian airport 1 July 2003. The impact of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) remains evident in China's travel industry with some airlines still having 60% of their fleets out of commission. EPA PHOTO/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A Yun-5 plane takes off at a special airport for locust control near the mouth of the Yellow River in Dongying, east China, Tuesday, June 17, 2003. China's first airport for locust control started operation Tuesday, when two planes took off and sprayed locust insecticide, marking the beginning of an annual fight against the locust plague. The airport has a concrete runway and parking lot totaling about 40,000 square meters. (Xinhua Photo/Wu Zengxiang)

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A flight arrival monitor reflects the number of cancelled flights due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus and low passenger loads on airlines on Thursday 15 May, 2003 in Hong Kong. EPA-PHOTO/EPA/DAVID G. MCINTRYRE

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

HKG50 - 20030417 - HONG KONG, CHINA : Photo dated 17 April 2003 shows Cathay Pacific planes sitting on the tarmac of Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok. Shares in Hong Kon's flagship carrier and parent group Swire Pacific slumped 24 April 2003 after the companies said they would reconsider their dividend policy for last year due to the disease known as Severe Acute Respiratory Sydrome (SARS) outbreak which has devasted the airline industry here. EPA PHOTO AFPI/PETER PARKS

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Picture dated 30 October 2002 shows a Cathay Pacific plane taking off at Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok airport as another taxis. Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific said Tuesday 22 April 2003 it will further slash its scheduled passenger services following a plunge in bookings resulting from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, with 45 percent of all flights now cancelled. EPA PHOTO AFP / PETER PARKS

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

HKG65 - 20030404 - HONG KONG, CHINA : A lone passenger with protective mask sits while waiting for his flight at Hong Kong's international airport, 04 April 2003, as a Cathay Pacific passenger plane is seen on the tarmac. Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific denied 12 April it was considering a plan to ground its fleet in May because of the ongoing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) if cancellations due to the virus continued in April. A statement for the company said that some 42 percent of all Cathay inbound and outbound flights had been cancelled due to a drop in passenger traffic. EPA PHOTO AFPI/ROB ELLIOTT/rob/rab

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Chinese officials farewell passengers on the first Taiwanese charter flight to land in China as it departs from Shanghai's Pudong airport Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003. The China Airlines Boeing 747-400, which arrived empty, returned to Taiwan with 243 Taiwanese passengers who were heading home for the Chinese New Year holiday. The historic flight was the first since Taiwan banned direct air and sea links to the mainland after the two sides separated in 1949 amid civil war. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Passengers board the first Taiwanese charter flight to land in China at Shanghai's Pudong airport Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003. The China Airlines Boeing 747-400, which arrived empty, returned to Taiwan with 243 Taiwanese passengers who were heading home for the Chinese New Year holiday. The historic flight was the first since Taiwan banned direct air and sea links to the mainland after the two sides separated in 1949 amid civil war. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

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A Taiwanese 747-400 owned by China Airlines is welcomed at Shanghai's Pudong airport 26 January 2003. The flight marks the first indirect chartered flight to the Chinese mainland in half a century. AFP PHOTO

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

A Taiwanese 747-400 owned by China Airlines sits on the tarmac at Shanghai's Pudong airport as the Taiwanese flight crew have their picture taken, 26 January 2003. The flight marks the first indirect chartered flight to the Chinese mainland in half a century. AFP PHOTO

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Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji gives the thumbs up shortly before leaving the territory at Hong Kong's International Airport Wednesday Nov. 20, 2002. Zhu wrapped up a three-day visit to Hong Kong where he delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony on Monday of the World Congress of Accountants, and later lashed out at a major mainland Chinese phone company and Chinese telecoms officials for deciding to charge eight times more for long distance calls between Hong Kong and China, a hike he said he found out from Hong Kong newspapers. (AP Photo/Government Information Service)

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Chinese look on as a China Eastern jet taxis past them after landing at Beijing airport Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

CHINA VERKEHR LUFTFAHRT

Airport security men rest in the shade of a China Southern Airlines Boeing 757 just before takeoff from the airport near Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Monday, Aug. 12, 2002. The flight, to Beijing via Chengdu, was delayed an hour in Chengdu after a passenger who became sick during the flight was taken to hospital in Chengdu. As a security measure the airline removed all baggage from the plane to ensure no unaccompanied baggage was left on the plane during the flight to Beijing. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)