Yes, you are correct. Remember the UPS/Challenge deal was back in the mid 90's. DOT laws have come a way since then. For the past few years UPS and FedEx have been competing for routes to Asia. They each received DOT approval to fly Anchorage to Shanghai but not at the same frequency. DOT approves four weekly flights for UPS and only two for Fed Ex. (just an example). American wants to fly to Asia from ORD. DOT rejects the app because United flies that route so American makes a code share agreement with China Eastern Airlines and gets in the back door..........Clear as Mud.