The first non-stop flights between London and Taipei in Taiwan are to be introduced at the end of the month.

  China Airlines is to start the service three times a week from March 28.   The carrier is to use an Airbus A340 on the route with 30 seats in business class and 246 in economy.   The new route is the first time that the UK has been connected by a non-stop service to Taiwan, according to the airline.   Return fares from London to Taipei start at £370.   Departing Taipei on Tuesdays and Sundays at 09.25 and arriving at Heathrow at 17.05, the London–Taipei flight will depart at 21.15 and arrive at 18.15 the following day.   A third weekly Thursday flight will depart Taipei at 09.25 and arrive at Heathrow at 16.55, before returning from London at 22.05, arriving Taipei at 19.05 the following day.   The move means that China Airlines will serve five destinations in Europe, with a total of 21 flights a week. Onward destinations include Bali and Sydney.   The airline’s chairman Philip Wei said: “As the leading airline in Taiwan, China Airlines is committed to promoting tourism, culture and the economic development of the island.”   by Phil Davies