Palace assures profitability for domestic airlines despite open skies policy

Malacañang on Friday assured that domestic airlines will continue to have profitable operations despite the impending liberalization of the airline industry. In a press briefing,Ricky Carandang, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Office head, said measures to protect the interest of local airlines will be included in an executive order (EO) to be issued by President Aquino. “It will be a 'pocket' open skies (policy)," he said. He added the issuance of the EO was delayed because the President asked for a revision to find a balance of liberalizing air transport for the benefit of the public, and at the same time, not dealing a harsh blow to our domestic carriers. “So, it has to be very measured and very deliberate when we begin to liberalize aviation. And I think, in a few weeks, you will see that EO," Carandang said. He further said that some local airlines have expressed confidence that they will be able to compete in a liberalized environment. He cited Cebu Pacific, in particular, which said they have already begun to compete in other markets besides the Philippines. “I think they’re confident that when we come out with it, there will be a balance between enhancing the value for consumers and providing an environment that the local airlines can still compete in," Carandang said. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Carandang said, will most likely retain control of local airlines. — TJD, GMANews.TV