The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has confirmed plans to launch direct weekend charter flights to and from Taiwan, following the signing of an agreement during talks in Beijing last week.

Six carriers including Air China, China Eastern and China Southern from the mainland side will be operating the routes, said the CAAC, adding that it will increase the number of mainland carriers involved in accordance with market demand.

The aviation regulator did not say when the services will begin.

Taiwan media reports said last week that the first services are set for the July 4 weekend with 36 flights scheduled per weekend between five Chinese airports and eight in Taiwan.

Six airlines from each side were authorized to operate the routes with the number of flights expected to increase to 72 after the Beijing Olympics, the reports said.