11.   The U.S. wants to punish Japan for denying cargo carrier Federal Express Corp. routes between Japan and its new Asian hub in the Philippines.

12.   Despite the downturn in the airline industry, no-frills carrier Ryanair said Thursday it is considering setting up a new hub as it slashes fares to attract passengers.

13.   With AFTA, he added, the increased trade among Asean countries will warrant the creation of new hubs like Port Klang in Southeast Asia.

14.   The US cargo carrier Federal Express Corp. is having difficulties with its bid to expand its Asian operations through Japan to a new hub in the Philippines.