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The following press release is issued on behalf of the Air Transport Licensing Authority:

The Air Transport Licensing Authority (the Authority) today (April 17) announced the decision on the application made by Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CPA) for a licence to operate scheduled services on the following route -

Hong Kong/ Shanghai/ Beijing/ Xiamen and vice versa

The application was objected by Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited and a public inquiry lasting for 11 days was held on January 23-29, 2003, March 11-14, 2003 and March 19-20, 2003.

In light of the evidence and submissions presented at the inquiry, the Authority decided to grant a licence to CPA to operate on the above route subject to the following frequency limits -

Between Hong Kong and Shanghai: 3 roundtrip services per day

Between Hong Kong and Beijing: 3 roundtrip services per day

Between Hong Kong and Xiamen: 3 roundtrip services per week

The licence will be valid for a period of five years with effect from April 17, 2003.

The decision of the Authority will also be published in the Gazette on April 25, 2003.

Full written decision can be obtained at lift lobby of the Information Services Department, 4/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. It is also available at the Authority's website http://www.edlb.gov.hk/edb/eng/related/atla.htm.

End/ Thursday, April 17, 2003

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