Hong Kong, China air links grow

Cathay Pacific Airways may get the opportunity to fly passengers between Hong Kong and Shanghai for the first time in 16 years. The arrangement follows Cathay's takeover of Hong Kong Dragon Airways in June and falls under an expanded air-services pact between the Special Administrative Region and the mainland. The current agreement prevents Cathay from flying to Shanghai, but it is reviewed annually. Hong Kong's Economic Development and Labour Bureau said they have agreed to further liberalize the aviation market, the Wall Street Journal reported, to add 11 routes to the 45 now available between Hong Kong and China. Cathay can currently fly cargo to Shanghai.