CAB: PAL can fly direct to UK

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines can fly direct to the United Kingdom on the basis of an exisiting air services agreement (ASA) between the Philippines and UK, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said Monday, September 16.

“Yes, [PAL] asked permits to resume flights in November,” Carmelo Arcilla, executive director of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said.

The flag carrier reportedly plans to return to the British capital after a 15-year absence. PAL last had regular flights to London back in 1998.

The Philippines currently has an air services agreement (ASA) with the United Kingdom, allowing Philippine carriers to mount a total of 7 flights a week.

“PAL used to operate to London until 1998, but only with two flights per week. We had a new round of air talks with the UK last 2009, which expanded the entitlements to 7 flights per week,” Arcilla said.

“For now, it will serve our requirements. In the future, if market demands call for it, we would have to move for new talks,” he added.

The carrier is planning to mount 5 flights a week, according to industry site Airline Route.

Once the Manila-London direct flights start, the Philippines will once again have direct air links to Europe, which ended when KLM stopped its direct Manila-Amsterdam flights in 2012.

Direct flights between the two countries can only use London’s Heathrow Airport and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, based on the ASA.

PAL will be hosting a “renewal of ties” event September 17, with Lord Stephen Green of Hurstpierpoint, UK Minister of Trade and Investment, in attendance.

Green is in Manila September 16-18 to boost the trade and investment ties between the two countries. – Rappler.com