Yes AStar operates multiple JFK-BRU-BAH and back flights. I wouldn't begin to presume what he meant, but since scope is for all purposes a dead issue, it really doesn't matter what anybody means, DHL is going to do whatever they dang well please.
In a bigger, but related issue....
DHL backs rival Fedex in call to remove air cargo curbs
February 7, 2005 8:35am
Europe Intelligence Wire
EXPRESS giant DHL has added its weight to a call by US rival Fedex for the removal of all market restrictions on cargo airline ownership on the trans-Atlantic freight trade.
The carrier, part of the Deutsche Port World Net group, would be happy to compete in an unrestricted market on both sides of the pond, top management told Lloyd's List.
'We are on nearly the same line [as Fedex],' said Monika Wulf-Mathies, Germany-based managing director for policy and sustainability. 'We are in favour of a full liberalisation of air cargo between the US and the EU. And a solution for cargo could pave the way for a bilateral agreement for passengers.'
Fedex shook up the international express market last month with a call for cargo airlines on each side of the Atlantic to be allowed to wholly own airlines in opposing territory. Present legislation restricts ownership to a minority shareholding.
Lifting restrictions would improve coverage for both market leaders, which rely on a system of bilateral agreements, subsidiaries and partnerships to guarantee door-to-door coverage worldwide.
Today's rules are more favourable to Fedex than DHL, said Ms Wulf-Mathies. European companies are restricted to 25% control of companies in the US, she said, while US companies can own up to 49% of European rivals.
Bilateral agreements give Fedex 'something near to cabotage' in Europe, said Ms Wulf-Mathies.
European cargo carriers are said to have been the victim of 'protectionist tendencies' in the US, particularly since the emergence of new security concerns.
The European Commission is understood to be looking at the possibility of a trans-Atlantic cargo agreement, which could foreshadow a full open skies passenger agreement between the two trading blocs. Such an agreement is thought to be technically feasible given the small number four of big international players in the express cargo market.
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