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MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said the Philippines will hold talks with 3 countries in the first quarter to negotiate or renew air service agreements.
CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said that France is first on the list, with negotiations scheduled to start Monday, January 13.
Talks with France follow the European Union’s (EU) move to lift a ban imposed on Philippine carriers following regulators’ efforts to address serious aviation safety concerns.
On Jul 10, 2013, EU lifted the 3-year-old ban, allowing legacy carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) to mount flights to the 28-nation bloc. PAL launched a direct flight to London last November, marking its return to the UK capital after 15 years.
The Philippines and France signed an air agreement in 1969, but the seat entitlements were not being utilized.
Arcilla said that aside from France, the Philippines also eyes air agreements with several other European countries throughout the year.
In the meantime, air talks with Singapore and New Zealand will be held in February and March, respectively.
In July 2012, the Philippines and Singapore failed to conclude a new air agreement for additional seat entitlements.
In 2013, the country signed air service agreements with countries, including Japan, Italy, Macau, Brazil, Australia, and Israel.
The deals were in line with a bid by authorities to pursue “more aggressively” the liberalization of the aviation sector. – Rappler.com
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