Canada seeks air talks with Phl

Manila, Philippines - The Canadian government has expressed interest in holding talks with the Philippines to amend the existing air services pact between the two countries.

Speaking at the joint membership meeting of the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines yesterday, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird said the Canadian government is open to hold air talks with the Philippines to increase passenger traffic between the two countries.

“If Air Canada would be able to fly here, it would be great for tourism,” he said.

The Philippines and Canada entered into an air services agreement in May 2008 which covers greater market access options for airlines from both countries.

Air Canada has no direct flights to the Philippines but has a code-sharing agreement with Philippine Airlines (PAL).

PAL meanwhile, has direct flights between Manila and Vancouver, and has flights to the US which go through Vancouver.

Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley told reporters that while Canada may be open to holding air talks with the Philippines, existing entitlements of the two countries are not being fully utilized at the moment.

“Air Canada tends to be a carrier that has a business model that depends quite heavily for its overseas Trans-Pacific flights on business and executive class carriage. I guess they will have to determine if this market will support that,” he said.

Meanwhile, he welcomed the Philippine government’s release of the mining executive order (EO).