Taipei's Songshan Airport will launch direct flights to Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport June 14 and to Tokyo's Haneda Airport Oct. 31, and is planning to further provide direct flights to Seoul's Kimpo Airport. We very much look forward to the economic development opportunities brought by the close links between Taipei and the three major Northeast Asian cities. The air services will be very helpful to promoting bilateral exchanges and attracting international business and leisure travelers. Songshan Airport, Hongqiao Airport and Haneda Airport are all located downtown, which means that travel time can be significantly shortened with the help of MRT systems. In order words, a 'one-day living circle' can be realized between Taipei, Shanghai and Tokyo. Before Songshan Airport sees a sharp traffic increase, however, we need to make full preparations in advance and seek to improve the airport's infrastructure. The space, design and facilities of Songshan Airport have long been insufficient to meet the needs of an international airport. For example, Boeing 747s cannot land or take off at the airport because its runways are too short. The support of many quarters will be needed for the airport to display a fresh look. (June 2, 2010) 