CONFIDENTIAL
objective guidelines laid down by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Additionally traffic distribution rules made by
the Secretary of State for Transport under section 31 of the
Airports Act 1986 restrict the operation of certain kinds of traffic
at peak times at Heathrow and Gatwick. Cathay Pacific's complaint
is that the rule for Gatwick bars movements by all-cargo aircraft
from the peaks (as defined by the scheduling committee) unless
specific prior dispensation has been given by the airport operator. The rationale for this rule is that cargo flights are generally less time critical than passenger flights, and that the proportion
of cargo carried on freighters (as opposed to in the holds of passenger aircraft) has declined and is now very small. CPA tried
to obtain three additional slots for their Gatwick-Hong Kong service
for the summer season 1988. In the event they have been successful
in obtaining two extra slots
-
though not quite at the times they
required. Given the pressure of demand for slots at Gatwick, CPA
seem to have been more than fairly treated.
13.
If the matter is raised, it would be most appropriate to
suggest that CPA continue their discussions with the Department of Transport and Gatwick Airport.
Hong Kong Department
June 1988
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