RP cuts new air deal with HK

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ID-100286321The Philippines and Hong Kong have inked a new air services agreement that doubles the weekly flights to and from Manila, and provides more opportunities for airports across the Philippines.

Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Atty Carmelo Arcilla said the pact, which replaces the two parties’ 2008 agreement, increases the weekly seat capacity on the Manila-to-Hong Kong route to 30,000 from the previous 15,000.

Furthermore, both sides agreed to unlimited flights from Hong Kong to all international airports in the Philippines outside Manila.

Arcilla said this is important for other Philippine gateways such as Clark International Airport in Pampanga, which under the old air deal was allowed only 4,300 seats per week.

“It is hoped that the new agreement will usher in a new era of growth in the bilateral aviation relationship between the Philippines and Hong Kong,” Arcilla said.

He noted that tensions between the Philippines and Hong Kong, which were fueled early this year when the latter canceled the visa-free privileges of Filipino government officials, have since “simmered down.”

Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net