An air services consultation between Hong Kong and India had successfully concluded, with substantial liberalization of the bilateral air services arrangements, said the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Thursday.

Under the new arrangements, the airlines of the two sides will be able to increase services to Delhi and Mumbai by more than double the existing level, which is at present about 20 frequencies per week. New services to Bangalore, the IT base in India, and Chennai will also be possible.

The two sides have also exchanged new fifth freedom rights. For example, Indian airlines will be able to operate services to points in North America via Hong Kong under the new arrangements. Hong Kong airlines will be able to operate services to points in Europe beyond India.

"The new arrangements between the two sides are a major step forward in the bilateral aviation relationship," said Eva Cheng, secretary for Transport and Housing of the HKSAR government.

"This is very good news for the airlines of the two sides. More competitive air services between Hong Kong and India will definitely benefit the traveling public," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2007)