UAE-Philippines strengthen aviation ties, rise in flights expected

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its counterpart in the Philippines.

The MoU aims to enhance the aviation relations between the two countries, supporting a rise in national carriers’ flights.

The agreement also looks at increasing air cargo from 200 to 600 tonnes per week for every national carrier and approving the operation of Airbus A380 aircraft, the state news agency, WAM, reported.

UAE-Philippines sign MoU in Cebu

The MoU was signed after a round of talks involving representatives of local sectors and national carriers. on September 19-20, in Cebu, Philippines.

“The vision of the UAE’s leadership has led to adopting an open skies policy, which has boosted its competitiveness, openness, and economic flexibility, as well as its regional and global leadership,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA.

“The GCAA prioritises strengthening aviation cooperation frameworks in strategic markets for national carriers to support their operations in international markets and ensure their direct access to economic, commercial, and tourism markets,” he added.

Interline agreement supports aviation ties

In other news, Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) expanded their interline agreement which they commenced earlier this year.

In March, the two carriers agreed an interline partnership wherein Emirates passengers were granted access to 19 Philippine domestic destinations operated by PAL, including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, among others, as well as two Asian regional points via Manila.

Now, as part of an expanded interline agreement, Emirates passengers can access domestic points in PAL’s network via Cebu and Clark too.