The US Department of Transportation has approved a FedEx Express (FX, Memphis International) request to replace two weekly fifth-freedom Manila Ninoy Aquino International-Hong Kong International cargo services with Angeles City Clark International-Hong Kong operations due to the ongoing runway repair works at the main Philippines' gateway.
FedEx has had traffic rights for this service since 2010 and currently deploys MD-11F equipment on it.
The freight specialist applied for the new route authorities in early April 2018. It is unable to continue the Manila service during the Summer 2018 season due to runway repair works at the airport. Its main runway has been closed every day between 1600Z (0000LT+1) and 2200Z (0600LT+1) since March 25, 2018, so during the time where FedEx' historical slots fall. While the carrier has been offered alternative slots, they would not correspond to FedEx's slots at Hong Kong. Manila also sports a second runway but it is too short for FedEx's operations.
Clark is located only 50 miles away from Manila and currently sees no direct cargo traffic to Hong Kong.
