Phl, PNG sign new air services agreement

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.

Under the agreement, the Department of Transportation said designated airlines of both countries could now fly 1,500 seats per side per week between Manila and Port Moresby.

In addition, carriers can now fly 3,000 seats per week between other points in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.

Previously, carriers had 600 seats per week between Manila and Port Moresby, and 1,500 in other points of the two countries as agreed upon in 2011.

The new agreement was reached during the conduct of air talks last Wednesday and Thursday.

This expansion in the two countries’ air services agreement follows Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s state visit in May.

During the state visit, the two countries committed to work together closely in fishing and agriculture, particularly tuna processing and the development of rice and coconut farming.

Papua New Guinea is also set to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November this year.

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

He said there is a plan to have air talks with India given the interest of local carriers to start operating flights in that country.

Switzerland, meanwhile, has made a request to the Philippines for air talks to update the existing air services agreement.

Arcilla also said the Philippines has requested to conduct air talks with Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and Australia earlier due to interest of carriers to expand operations in those territories.