TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Trial passenger flights between Matsu Islands and Kaohsiung began on Wednesday (Nov. 6), a route the Matsu government hopes will become permanent.  

Mandarin Airlines will operate 10 charter flights during the trial, per CNA. Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) and members of the legislature’s Transport Committee traveled to Matsu to mark the launch.

The transport ministry said the Lienchiang County Government had asked the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) to start regular flights on the Matsu-Kaohsiung route. It said the county asked CPC Corporation Taiwan to install refueling stations at airports on Nangan and Beigan Islands to accommodate the new route.

Chen said he had asked the CAA and the Tourism Administration to evaluate the service during its trial operation. 

Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming (王忠銘) said it was the first time in 20 years that flights between the locations had been scheduled. He hoped the route would make it easier for tourists and Matsu locals to reach the islands.

Tickets for the charter flights are sold by Ezfly, who said that 90% were sold within three days of going on sale. The charter flights appear to be targeting tourists, with only package deals that include a hotel available on the company’s website.