China Airlines could launch non-stop commercial flights between Taipei and Bahrain by spring.

The carrier has just implemented a service to Abu Dhabi, and is now eyeing Bahrain as its second Gulf destination.

"China Airlines is expanding its on-line network and is considering Bahrain as a major stop-over point between Europe and Taipei," said Taiwan Trade Mission Bahrain representative Mark Cheng.

"If the service goes through, it could result in daily flights between Bahrain and a number of European cities, as well as the daily service between here and Taipei."

China Airlines, which is in the process of being privatised, intends to expand to as many as 12 European capitals.

"The carrier has been given the green light from Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs to proceed with their route expansion plans," said Cheng.

"However, negotiations are still underway with the European Union to obtain traffic rights between Europe and Bahrain."