DOT grants 6 cargo airlines rights to fly through Hong Kong

DOT grants 6 cargo airlines rights to fly through Hong Kong    The U.S. Department of Transportation said it has selected six airlines to operate new all-cargo service between Hong Kong and third-country cities in a move that will increase from eight to 48 the number of weekly round-trip flights available since last year’s bilateral air agreement.
   Carriers tentatively selected to operate new or expanded service are Federal Express, United Parcel Service, Evergreen International Airlines, Kalitta Air, Northwest Airlines and Polar Air Cargo.
   In October 2002, the United States and Hong Kong agreed to expand passenger and cargo air services, including the phased addition of U.S. airline rights to provide all-cargo services between Hong Kong and other countries. One month later, the department allowed FedEx, Northwest, Polar and UPS to operate services on a temporary basis while reviewing formal applications. The new permit gives airlines now operating, as well as those scheduled to begin operating Oct. 28, long-term rights. Next year the department will allocate 16 additional weekly flights.