=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SFGate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2004/06/18/f= inancial1720EDT0272.DTL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, June 18, 2004 (AP) Pact signed to double airline traffic between U.S., China (06-18) 14:20 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States and China agreed to increase dramatically the amount of air traffic allowed between the two countries over the next six years, the Transportation Department said Friday. The number of airlines permitted to fly in the U.S.-China market will increase to nine from four. The number of flights allowed from each country will grow to 195 from 54. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the deal acknowledges the fa= st growth of U.S.-China trade. "This agreement represents a giant step forward in creating an international air transportation system that meets the needs of the new global marketplace," Mineta said in a statement. Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, FedEx and United Parcel Service currently serve the U.S.-China market. American Airlines chief executive Gerard Arpey said the airline is keenly interested in joining them. "China would be a sensational addition" to American's route network, Arpey said in a prepared statement. FedEx issued a statement applauding the deal because it will allow cargo airlines to establish hub operations in China. Airlines also will be able to fly wherever they want. Today, U.S. passenger airlines are restricted to five Chinese cities and Chinese carriers are limited to 12 U.S. cities. A formal signing of the agreement is expected within the next month. On the Net: Transportation Department: www.dot.gov ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2004 AP