Eight Taiwan pilots will begin to navigate flights of a Chinese mainland airways as of Tuesday, according to the company based in Sichuan Province in southwest China.

The eight aviators, at the average age of 40 and with flying experience of around 15 years, have passed the examinations by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) and got flying licences, said Mu Xinhong, general manager with Sichuan Airlines.

The participation of the eight Taiwan pilots will promote exchanges in aviation techniques and understanding across the Taiwan Straits, said Mu.

An official with CAAC's southwestern bureau also welcomed the enrollment, saying it will play a positive role in promoting China's aviation skills and capacity.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2005)