Polar Air takes advantage of Hong Kong operating freedom

Polar Air takes advantage of Hong Kong operating freedom

   Polar Air Cargo said it would introduce new service between Hong Kong, Malaysia and India Sunday after receiving U.S. government clearance.

   Last month, the Department of Transportation approved expanded air traffic rights for six all-cargo airlines seeking to operate to and through Hong Kong. The rights were granted under an open skies aviation agreement reached by the United States and China one year ago to expand passenger and cargo air services, including to third countries.

   Polar said it will offer three flights per week connecting Penang, Malaysia, and Delhi, India, with Hong Kong.

   'The ability to fully integrate Hong Kong into Polar's regional and global network of services was severely restricted until the liberalization of the U.S.-Hong Kong aviation agreement,' Kersti Krep, Polar's vice president for Asia-Pacific said in a statement.

   Polar serves nine cities in the region and offers round-the-world service through hubs in Seoul, South Korea and Liege, Belgium.