By Josie Wu ,tuanslated by Cara Steenstra.

Budget flights have arrived in Taiwan! Low-cost flights have been around in the West for a while. Now Jetstar Asia's daily sevices from Taipei to Singapore give travellers a new budget choice. Weekday one-way fares start from NT$2,350. These short distance flights are great news for travel enthusiasts and commuters. Jetstar Asia is a Singaporean airline company with Qantas Airways holding 49% of its shares. It aims to expand its routes to destinations within five hours flight from Singapore, including Shanghai, Jakarta, Manila, Perth and Dehli. And why is it so cheap? Chief Operating Officer Con Korfiatis explains that the seemingly "free" bonuses offered by other airlines such as mileage points, VIP lounges, meals and luxurious audio visual equipment are all deducted from the ticket costs. This makes air travel easier and more affordable for many people. He emphasized that lower costs do not mean poorer service quality, and single journeys give travellers more flexibility. The A320 Airbus fleet allows each passenger 20kg of luggage. In-flight drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Daily flights depart Singapore for Taipei at 1 p.m., arriving Taipei at 5:35 p.m., the return flight leaves Taipei at 6:20 p.m., and arrives in Singapore at 10:55 p.m. --By Josie Wu, translated by Cara Steenstra