PH, Qatar inks air deal increasing flights
The Philippines and Qatar have signed an air service agreement increasing the number of flights between the two countries, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said yesterday.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on air services between Manila and Doha amended the 2015 agreement and was signed by DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo and Abdullah Al Subaey of Qatar.
The new MOU increased the traffic rights between Manila and Doha, from the current 14 flights per week to 18 flights per week for the designated airlines of each country.
Qatar Airways currently operates 14 flights per week to Manila and seven flights per week to Clark, while Philippine Airlines currently operates four flights between Manila and Doha.
“The new MOU will increase the flights of Qatar Airways to Manila by four additional flights. This is considered a landmark agreement because it also includes as a condition for Qatar Airways to have flights from Davao within one year from commencement of the four additional flights to Manila,” DOTr said.
The four additional flights to Manila are expected to start in October.
“The expansion of traffic rights is seen to enhance con- nectivity, facilitate trade, investment, services, and people to people exchange between the two countries,” DOTr said.
The inclusion of Davao in the route structure of Qatar Airways will provide the much needed linkage for Davao to the major markets of the world, it added.
Qatar is directly connected to 161 international destinations.