The direct line between Taipei's Songshan Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport fulfills one of President Ma Ying-jeou's campaign promises, which targets to make traveling easier to major cities in Asia. To further boost bilateral tourism and to encourage business investors, officials say that they are in the process of negotiating with South Korea.

Direct flights across the Straits began a little more than two years ago in the midst of high anticipation.

One of the most popular services is that between Taipei Songshan Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao.

Now the launch of direct flights between Taipei Songshan Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport is linking Taipei to the Northeast Asian Transportation Ring's Golden Triangle.

Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul are Asia's most important, prosperous, and vibrant metropolises.

The authorities believe direct flights to Gimpo International Airport in Seoul could be launched in 2011 at the earliest,

By then, the four airports would have direct air links.

However, President Ma Ying-jeou has high hopes for the Songshan airport's renovation project when he made an inspection visit to the old airport six months ago.

While the airport is now being positioned as a compact but efficient airport of Taipei City, the infrastructure is so old that it cannot catch up to its ambition.

Experts suggest the airport to enhance its software and equipment and give business travelers fast track services to maximize the edge and raise Taipei City's international competitiveness.

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