Freight giant Federal Express (FedEx) is pinning high hopes on United States Government approval for greater freedom in express delivery between Hong Kong and the US.
A decision is to be announced soon and, should FedEx win approval, its Asian Hub operations - centred in Subic Bay in the Philippines - will be greatly enhanced.
Peter Yin, vice-president of marketing, communications and customer service for FedEx Asia-Pacific, said a bilateral agreement in September last year meant the US Government had the authority to grant one cargo company fifth freedom rights - where a carrier operates between two countries neither of which is its own.
'The next step is for carriers to apply to the government for that right,' Mr Yin said.
'FedEx has applied to the US Government and we are awaiting a decision shortly. Approval would allow us to connect Hong Kong with Subic Bay using our own aircraft.' He said the group now used charter aircraft for connection flights.
'It will allow Hong Kong shippers more capacity to ship to other Asian ports through our Asian Hub,' he said.