THE USA AND China have agreed to a new bilateral air-services pact, which permits the first non-stop service by carriers of both nations.
Northwest Airlines has been given approval to begin a thrice-weekly non-stop service between Detroit and Beijingon 1 May, while China Southern, based in Guangzhou, is being allowed to serve the USA with non-stop flights. The agreement, also provides for expanded code-sharing opportunities, for US and Chinese airlines.
The accord resolved a dispute concerning the number of weekly flights US carriers may operate. FedEx will now be permitted to operate four weekly flights to China and Northwest will be allowed a total of nine weekly flights on a phased-in basis over two years. FedEx is purchasing the China routes from Evergreen International.
The deal also permits, traffic stops by US and Chinese air carriers, at Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Source: Flight International
