DHL and TNT have broken ranks with their US rivals FedEx Express and United Parcel Service, to come out in favour of a separate cargo-only deal in the ongoing transatlantic open skies talks.
The two express carriers have joined the British Cargo Association to form the European Cargo Alliance in an effort to push for full cabotage on both sides of the Atlantic. The association's chairman, Roland Steisel, says the flow of cargo trade is less sensitive than that of passenger transport and full liberalisation is needed to enable European companies to compete fairly against the two large US firms. "It makes sense for European express carriers to have the right of establishment in the USA, as it would bring huge savings and lead to reduced costs for our customers," he says.
At present, FedEx and UPS have fifth-freedom rights in many European countries for onward flights, but DHL and TNT are barred from even using wholly owned subsidiaries to perform connecting flights in the USA. The newly formed association is meeting the European Commission team in charge of bilateral air services agreement negotiations to press its point.
The four express carriers together, represented by the European Express Association, are also preparing challenges in national courts to the new EU-wide flight time duty directive, due to enter into force later this year. It limits maximum pilot night shifts to 13h, but with 30min taken off for each sector flown. The EEA says the rule will put carriers operating in Europe at a direct disadvantage against US counterparts, and fails to take express carriers' usual night-flight rotas into account. The rules allow for national derogations and EEA members will apply for such national exemptions.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE / BRUSSELS
Source: Flight International
