A new ‘Air Services Arrangement’ was signed at the end of December which should see the number of flights between the two countries increase from 170 to 205 per week by the summer of 2012 - an additional five flights a day in each direction.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said: “The arrangement will greatly promote the ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan in terms of business, cultural exchange and leisure travel.”

At the moment, the passenger and cargo capacities between Hong Kong and Taiwan are 170 flights and 1,700 tonnes per week respectively for each side.

Hui Hon-chung added: “The increase in cargo capacity is particularly notable, with a strong increase of more than 70% to 3,000 tonnes per week for each side by summer of 2012.

“In addition, the arrangement allows new airlines to operate services between Hong Kong and Taiwan, which will translate into more choices of airlines and flight frequencies for passengers.”