US ROUTE 2
Bermuda 2 already differentiates routes geographically; and the US/Hong Kong routes are clearly identifiable. However, US route 2 does list both Hong Kong and London, in Column (C). The draft exchange of notes we tabled at the May round, in Washington, advocates the deletion of the reference to Hong Kong in Column (C). The US have not yet commented on our draft. If they refer to this deletion, the main points to bear in mind are:
As a technical consequence of separation, the existing route 2 must fall away.
US airlines cannot currently carry traffic between London and Hong Kong.
Round-the-world routes by definition mean that the destination of the service is also its country of origin. United - the US carrier designated for US route 2 - must commence its RTW service at one of the five US gateways listed in Column (A) and terminate at one of them.
The notes applicable to all the routes (Section 5) also enable United to "operate via points not listed in Columns A, B, C or D in any order, operate flights in either or both directions,
or both directions, and omit stops at any point or points, without loss of any right to uplift or discharge traffic otherwise permissible under the relevant routes or notes applicable thereto, provided that the service begins or terminates in the territory of the Contracting Party designating the airline." In other words, if Hong Kong is deleted from US route 2, Bermuda 2 would still enable routeing via Hong Kong (without traffic rights between London and Hong Kong).
Whether United could carry traffic between Hong Kong and the points listed in Column (A) (B) or (D) of route 2 would depend on
on the outcome of the current talks. (NB. Washington/Baltimore does not currently appear on US route 3:
Pacific Combination Air Service).
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.