Two cross-Straits charters took off from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport on Monday, headed for Taipei and Kaohsiung. The planes, filled to capacity, kicked off this year's charter flight services in Xiamen. Three other mainland cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, have also been designated as ports for cross-Straits charters.

Xiamen Airlines stewardesses bear Spring Festival greetings on Monday, February 4, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]

Xiamen Airlines stewardesses greet passengers boarding a cross-Straits charter plane at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport on Monday, February 4, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]

Xiamen Airlines stewardesses greet passengers boarding a cross-Straits charter plane at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport on Monday, February 4, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]

(CRI February 5, 2008)