-
The United States Department of Transportation extended until Oct. 31, 2026 the deadline for Guam-based Asia Pacific Airlines to launch its planned seven-times-weekly fifth-freedom all-cargo service between Hong Kong and Manila
-
This comes after the carrier failed to secure operating slots at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
-
The extension took effect on July 20
-
The US DOT requires the carrier to start using all seven frequencies by the new deadline
-
UPS Airlines did not oppose the short extension but said it would object to further delay and seek reallocation of frequencies if the service is not launched on time
-
Frequencies were allocated in April 2026 for a Guam-Manila-Hong Kong cargo service using a Boeing 757-200PCF freighter
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has extended until October 31, 2026 the deadline for Guam-based Asia Pacific Airlines to launch its planned seven-times-weekly fifth-freedom all-cargo service between Hong Kong and Manila after the carrier failed to secure operating slots at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The extension, which took effect on July 20, grants the airline additional time to start the service while retaining the seven weekly frequencies previously allocated.
Asia Pacific Airlines told the US DOT it is continuing to pursue Manila airport slots and intends to begin operations as soon as they become available, without waiting until the extended deadline. The carrier also sought relief from dormancy provisions while awaiting slot allocation.
The US agency authorized the request, stipulating that the airline must start using all seven frequencies by the end-October deadline.
United Parcel Service Co. (UPS), which is currently seeking approval for six weekly fifth-freedom cargo flights between Hong Kong and Clark, said it does not oppose the short-term extension for Asia Pacific Airlines. However, it warned that it would oppose any additional requests for relief.
UPS said it would seek the withdrawal and reallocation of the frequencies should Asia Pacific Airlines fail to start the proposed service within the revised deadline.
The US DOT noted that Asia Pacific Airlines subsequently informed the agency that all carriers on the service list had confirmed they had no objection to the extension request, allowing the department to act before the close of the comment period.
The seven weekly frequencies were allocated in April 2026 for Asia Pacific Airlines’ planned Guam-Manila-Hong Kong cargo service, which will be operated using a Boeing 757-200 Passenger-to-Freighter (PCF) aircraft.
Founded in 1998, Asia Pacific Airlines serves Micronesia, Honolulu, and the Western Pacific. The airline is a subsidiary of Tan Holdings Corp., a Western Pacific conglomerate with interests in shipping, logistics, and manufacturing.— Michael Barcas
