CAAC selects China Eastern to commence talks with Lambert-St Louis

CAAC selected China Eastern Airlines, parent of China Cargo Airlines, as the carrier to commence talks with Lambert-St Louis International Airport to potentially establish cargo operations, according to Midwest China Hub Commission chairman Mike Jones (KSDK/St Louis Business Journal/Post-Dispatch, 19-Jan-2011). Mr Jones stated the designation suggests there is "considerable interest from the Chinese side" but added: "We are only at the feasibility stage." Chinese officials will soon send a team to the US to determine the details of the agreement. Services are expected to commence in summer 2011 with the process to attract a Chinese cargo carrier now spanning three years.