In addition to doubling the number of scheduled flights between the two countries, the agreement allows one additional carrier from each country to serve the U.S.-China market, beginning in 2001. Currently, three U.S. and three Chinese carriers have the authority to serve the U.S.-China market. The Department of Transportation will soon grant an additional U.S. carrier the right to fly directly to China.
China is the largest market in the world and holds great trading potential for the United States.
Express all-cargo carriers are able to connect every business and residence in the United States every day to China. Unfortunately, of the three U.S. carriers allowed to fly directly to China, Federal Express is the only all-cargo carrier serving the market. For this reason, United Parcel Service is now applying to the Department of Transportation for the right to fly directly to China. United Parcel Service has served the nations of Asia since 1988 and already operates an extensive ground network in China. By applying for the right to fly directly to China, United Parcel Service hopes to expand its Chinese service by using United Parcel Service jet aircraft.