CHINA SOUTHERN LAUNCHES FIRST CHINA/U.S. FREIGHTER SERVICE

CHINA SOUTHERN LAUNCHES FIRST CHINA/U.S. FREIGHTER SERVICE    China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in mainland China, will launch its first-ever international cargo service in March, offering dedicated Boeing 747-200 freighter service between Shenzhen, located near Hong Kong, and Chicago.
   The commencement of the freighter service, scheduled for March 29, follows the conclusion last year of a bilateral agreement between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
   China Southern’s new Boeing 747-200 service will depart Shenzhen to the U.S. every Friday, Wednesday and Monday evening. The flight will leave Chicago to China every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening.
   China Southern said that the Boeing 747-200 cargo service will be operated by Atlas Air under a long-term agreement that covers aircraft, crews, insurance and maintenance.
   Su Liang, manager, international air cargo project at China Southern, said that the company is “very encouraged that China is going to join the World Trade Organization in the near future.” This will create new commercial cargo and freight business opportunities, he added said.