AIRLINES

U.S. to Weigh Trade for Airline Rights in Asia: On the eve of his whirlwind trip to Asia, U.S. Transportation Secretary Federico Pena said he will consider giving Asian airlines the same kind of network opportunities in the United States that American carriers desperately want in the booming Pacific Rim. This means “beyond” rights. Under such agreements, airlines are given the right to slap an extension on a nonstop overseas route, and fly on to a third country. This means more passengers and cargo on each flight--and the chance to build up a regional hub overseas. Beyond rights are especially valuable in Japan because most Asia-bound fliers want to go through a Japanese city at some point.