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Cathay Pacific Airways welcomes the conclusion of the codeshare agreement with its oneworld partner, American Airlines made in the air services discussions between the Governments of the Hong Kong SAR and the United States, held over the past three days. This new arrangement allows enhanced commercial opportunities for Hong Kong and development of Hong Kong's aviation industry. The deal also gives Cathay Pacific passengers easier access, more choices and more convenient connections to US cities beyond Cathay Pacific's existing gateway destinations. It is good for the passengers, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines and partners in the oneworld alliance.
However, Cathay Pacific is disappointed with the outcome of the fifth freedom discussion which
it claims is a clear unbalanced exchange in favour of the US carriers. The US negotiation team has achieved major success for the US carriers. We are disappointed with the US protectionism, which denies Hong Kong carriers' equivalent commercial opportunities.
Cathay Pacific continues to support the HK SAR Government's progressive liberalisation policy in the broader interests of Hong Kong and has played a constructive role in bringing to a close to a 3-year negotiation process.
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