Philippines, Australia ink air connectivity deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia have agreed to enhance air connectivity in line with efforts to boost the economy and tourism industry of both countries.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities for better air connectivity during the two-day air consultation talks held on Sept. 25 to 26.

Under the MOU, designated airlines will now be able to offer up to 10,000 seats each way per week from the Philippines to key cities in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

The new capacity is an improvement from the current 9,300 weekly seating capacity.

The DOTr said airlines from both countries can also now operate unlimited services to regional airports with unrestricted capacity, frequency, and aircraft type.

Both countries have also agreed to increase the new limit to 10,700 seats per week by the end of March 2019.

“This agreement aims to further boost the economy and tourism industry of both countries,” the DOTr said.

Last June, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea have signed a new air services agreement which increases the entitlements of designated carriers between Manila and Port Moresby, as well as in other points in the two countries.

Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla earlier said the Philippines is planning to hold air talks with India and Switzerland this year.