Open Skies mean more foreign flights to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu shall expect more foreign airlines to open up direct flights from different destinations abroad, as airline companies abroad are now starting to conduct feasibility studies for possible direct flight operations in secondary destinations in the Philippines.

Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. announced that several foreign airline companies are now looking at possibilities to open up direct flights specifically from Cebu.

Bengzon said this is already the immediate effect of the newly implemented “Open Skies Policy” by President Benigno Aquino III administration.

“We have sounded them off [foreign airlines] already, inviting them to fly to secondary destinations, like Cebu within the framework of the EO [Executive Order],” said Bengzon in an interview.

On March 14, 2011 Aquino signed the EO 29 which authorizes the air panels and the Civil Aeronautics Board to pursue more aggressively the international civil aviation liberalization policy in secondary gateways.

While Cebu Pacific Air maintained its appeal to re-consider the EO, Bengzon said DOT secretary Alfredo Lim already made discussions with the Gokongwei-owned airline.

He said the pie of foreign travelers is increasing dramatically, so there is need to worry.

Within the domestic travelers alone, there are a growing number of Filipinos traveling in and out of the country, as well as exploring the beautiful and charming tourism spots within the Philippines.

“We have to move fast,” Bengzon said emphasizing that the growth in tourism also depends on the availability of direct flights from different destinations abroad.

Early this month, Cebu Pacific (CEB) expressed disappointment over the CAB’s issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) or EO 29, otherwise known as the Open Skies Policy.

In a statement, the Gokongwei-led airline articulated its dismay over the IRR pronouncement, saying it seemingly ignored proposals from various quarters to amend the IIR to ensure fairness.

“Cebu Pacific (CEB) is naturally disappointed with the approved EO 29 IRR, especially since we have expressed our concerns on reciprocity right from the start. Regrettably, none of CEB’s proposed amendments that would have produced fair competition and enshrined reciprocity into the IRR were adopted by the CAB,” the airline’s official statement said.

CEB reiterated its position for the benefit of the traveling public, its belief that the Philippine airspace is a valuable asset, and should be used to further the long-term interest of the nation through mutually beneficial air agreements.

Also, the homegrown Philippine flag carrier emphasized its stand that it can compete with foreign carriers if given a “level playing field of equal and reciprocal traffic rights.”

“This level playing field is vital for the continued viable existence of an airline, which has invested billions of dollars in the Philippines, and employs thousands of Filipino workers and professionals,” said the CEB statement.

With reciprocal open skies, CEB, will have the opportunity to offer its Filipino brand of service and trademark low fares to the Asia-Pacific region and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) employed in those countries. “Sadly, the current IRR of EO 29 will deny that option.”

“We would, however, like to assure the government of our continued cooperation, and full support of their objectives to boost tourism in the Philippines. Since the airline’s inception CEB has been significantly contributing to the country’s tourism development. This is evident in CEB’s yearly passenger growth,” CEB statement further read.

Despite the lack of reciprocity in the IRR, CEB remains hopeful that the CAB will hold faithful to its promise that they will revoke the air rights of foreign carriers with home countries that fail to give similar unlimited access to Philippine carriers to their skies. (FREEMAN)