The Philippines signed a multilateral agreement on unlimited flights to neighboring countries that will pave the way for cheaper travel in the region this year, the Transportation Department said over the weekend.
Under Protocols 5 and 6 of the Asean Multilateral Agreement in Air Services, Philippine air carriers will be allowed to fly unlimited frequencies to and beyond the capital cities of other Southeast Asian nations, leading to better connectivity and translating into more competitive fares and services.
“This will enhance regional trade and investment opportunities for Philippine businesses that are looking to expand their markets. It will also provide better access to Filipino individuals, such as professionals and students, who wish to explore job and educational opportunities in the Asean region,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.
“We expect it to benefit our local tourism and service industries, as the agreement allows foreign airlines to increase their flights to Manila and other cities as well. Just as it will encourage more visitors to come to the country, Filipinos will also enjoy a wider array of flight options and ticket prices to the rest of the Asean,” he added.
Data from the Tourism Department showed Asia contributed the biggest arrivals for the Philippines in October last year with 254,149 visitors for a share of 62 percent of total arrivals.
The East Asian region recorded total arrivals of 2.20 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2015, up 14 percent from 1.92 million arrivals in the same period in 2014.
The DoTC and the Civil Aeronautics Board will now assist Philippine air carriers in securing additional flight schedules with each of the nine other member States of the Asean.
The government plans to make the new flights operational within the next six months.
The MAAS is part of the Asean’s Roadmap for Integration of Air Transportation Services, essentially laying down the foundation for the envisioned Asean Single Aviation Market, which would in turn foster seamless connectivity within the region.
The ratification of Protocols 5 and 6 provides unlimited access to any point within the Asean area, more competitive and better airline services, as well as lower fares and broader options for passengers.
It highlights the Philippines’ commitment to the realization of the Single Aviation Market, and in creating a unified Asean Economic Community with an efficient and fully-integrated transport network.
Moreover, the development presents an opportunity for growth of our aviation sector, which will compete directly with other Asean carriers. It will encourage service upgrades among Philippine airlines, which have thus far proved to be competitive players in Southeast Asia and other regional markets.
To meet the expected impact of greater tourist and economic air activity, the Transportation Department continues to modernize the country’s airport infrastructure.