An air services consultation between Hong Kong and India had
successfully concluded, with substantial liberalization of the
bilateral air services arrangements, said the government of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Thursday.
Under the new arrangements, the airlines of the two sides will
be able to increase services to Delhi and Mumbai by more than
double the existing level, which is at present about 20 frequencies
per week. New services to Bangalore, the IT base in India, and
Chennai will also be possible.
The two sides have also exchanged new fifth freedom rights. For
example, Indian airlines will be able to operate services to points
in North America via Hong Kong under the new arrangements. Hong
Kong airlines will be able to operate services to points in Europe
beyond India.
"The new arrangements between the two sides are a major step
forward in the bilateral aviation relationship," said Eva Cheng,
secretary for Transport and Housing of the HKSAR government.
"This is very good news for the airlines of the two sides. More
competitive air services between Hong Kong and India will
definitely benefit the traveling public," she said.
(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2007)
