President Ma Ying-jeou has inaugurated the newly renovated north runway at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Ma officiated at a ceremony Thursday marking the reopening of the runway after a major overhaul.
The renovation cost NT$2.5 billion (US$76.14 million). Ma was present for the first takeoff from the renovated runway.
At the reopening ceremony, Ma said that Taiwan has signed bilateral aviation agreements with 25 countries and territories over the past seven years. With these agreements, the number of flight routes to and from Taiwan has grown to serve 134 destinations in 31 countries and territories.
Ma also said there were limited flights between China and Taiwan before he took office. He said that during his administration, the number of cross-strait flights has grown from 108 to 890 per week.
Ma said that 158 countries and territories now grant visa-free entry to Taiwan passport holders. He also said that Airport Council International declared Taoyuan Airport the world’s most efficient in 2014. Meanwhile, he said, the airport may see passenger volume reach 39 million this year.
Ma attributed these achievements to policies including viable diplomacy, cross-strait reconciliation, and opening up to the outside world.