The DoT hearing in Washington is part of the current investigation into whether Astar's ownership dodges US law. FedEx and UPS allege that DHL Worldwide of Brussels and parent Deutsche Post Word Net illegally control American-owned Astar.

Astar has an 11-year agreement to haul cargo for DHL, generating a minimum of US$15 million in revenue.

Gary Hammes, Astar’s chief operating officer, stated that DHL finances the maintenance of Astar's fleet and contributes 90% of revenues, but it does not interfere in day-to-day operations. “(DHL) Worldwide has little, if any, say in how I run this airline,” said Hammes during cross-examination, according to a report by Reuters.

FedEx and UPS have asked DoT to extend the December 1 deadline. Furthermore, a US District Court judge in Washington will decide if Astar attorneys should produce more documents in the proceedings