FedEx Express (FX, Memphis International) has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for traffic rights to operate 2x weekly flights to Angeles City Clark International, as the carrier's current service to Manila Ninoy Aquino International is temporarily not feasible due to planned runway works at the Filipino main gateway.
The US cargo specialist currently operates 2x weekly flights out of the United States to Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l as part of a service to Hong Kong International, with fifth freedom traffic rights on the Manila-Hong Kong sector. FedEx has had traffic rights for this service since 2010 and currently deploys MD-11(F) equipment on it.
However, the carrier is unable to continue the service during the Summer 2018 season due to runway repair works at Manila. The airport's 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.
Since Clark is considered a distinct point from Manila for aviation regulatory purposes, even though it is only located approximately 50 miles away, FedEx Express must petition the Department, pursuant to the U.S.-Hong Kong aviation agreement, for the award of two weekly frequencies to serve Clark, with fifth freedom traffic rights, in exchange for the two weekly Hong Kong-Manila fifth freedom frequencies the company currently holds," the carrier has written in its application.
Currently, the route from Clark to Hong Kong does not see scheduled cargo services. In terms of passenger services, the airports are connected by Cebu Pacific Air (14x weekly) and Cathay Dragon (3x weekly).
