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Delegations representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and France on June 15 concluded a new arrangement for air services between the two places after two days of negotiation in Paris.

With the new arrangement, airlines may enter into code-share arrangements with surface transportation providers (inter-modal code-sharing). Specifically, Cathay Pacific Airways may put its airline codes on the French high speed trains (SNCF) to 10 cities in France.

The new arrangement also provides opportunity for airlines of both sides to introduce code-share services to Papeete (Tahiti) and Noumea, two famous tourist destinations located in French Pacific territories. Capacity for freighter services has also been expanded for the market demand.

The Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Wilson Fung, said it was the first time that inter-modal code-sharing was provided for under Hong Kong's air services arrangements.

"Inter-modal code-sharing will put a new dimension to our air services by providing on-line connection between scheduled air services and the massive train network to 10 major popular cities in France, forward connection to the vast of continental Europe. This will provide a major boost to the tourism industry between Hong Kong and France. The new service mode can enhance the network of the Hong Kong International Airport by making use of train services. I believe it will provide additional convenience to passengers," said Mr Fung.

He also hoped that airlines would make good use of the new code-share routes soon to launch services between Hong Kong and the French Pacific Territories, Tahiti and Noumea, thus further expanding Hong Kong's aviation network.

Ends/Thursday, June 17, 2004

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