RP inks first air agreement with Iran to boost trade, travel

MANILA, Philippines - Local carriers earned a new access point to the Middle East as the Philippines established the first air agreement with Iran. Four weekly flights have been allocated for airlines flying from Manila, and seven flights for those flying from Clark, Pampanga, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Deputy Executive Director Porvenir Porciuncula said. Negotiations took place on August 4 and 5 at the CAB office in Pasay City. He added that five flights were given to carriers flying from "other points of the Philippines," which include international airports in Cebu and Davao. "We gave separate capacities so the markets can develop separately as airlines may see fit based on the demand," Porciuncula told GMANews.TV in a phone interview. He said more flights were allocated to Clark as the government has a "daily flight policy" to encourage more carriers to use the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). The Clark facility is being developed as the country's premier international airport to decongest the terminals in Manila. The flight allocations represent at least 1,600 seats flying to Iran every week. The number may vary depending on the capacity of aircraft a carrier decides to use. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), however, is not so keen on taking advantage of the new air agreement with Iran. "It is not part of our short and medium term plans," PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said in a text message sent to GMANews.TV. Officials from Cebu Pacific, a local carrier also flying international destinations, were not immediately available to comment on the new air agreement. For Iran's part, Porciuncula said Mahan Air wants to initially fly to Manila and eventually expand operations by flying to Clark. "(The air agreement with Iran) is basically a part of our thrust to support the growing opportunity for trade, investment and tourism," Porciuncula said. He added the new route would be beneficial for Filipino workers bound for the Middle East. Other entry points in the region include Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. - GMANews.TV