Aquino admin urged to modify policy on open skies

Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific airline, is urging the Aquino administration to modify the executive order on open skies, saying it will only benefit foreign airlines. EO 29 enables foreign airlines to fly freely in and out of the Philippines as domestic carriers are limited to flights specified in existing air agreements with other countries. In this case, Hong Kong carriers, for example, could now mount as many flights to Cebu but domestic airlines can only accommodate 2,500 seats per week. To put it more interestingly, Chinese carriers would be able to fly from any of its major cities to Kalibo, but Philippine carriers are denied such an access by the Chinese. Basic requisite of reciprocity In a statement issued Sunday, the budget carrier said the government should include the basic requisite of reciprocity in any air rights negotiations. “We want the same benefits from the governments of these foreign airlines. We want reciprocity, which is fair and reasonable. We are not asking for special favors — just a level playing field," the Gokongwei-owned airline said. “If the benefits of air services liberalization flow only one way, we are discriminated against in our own country," Cebu Air added. If the Philippines would not be reciprocated by foreign governments, the growth and even the survival of local carriers could be put at risk, Cebu Air pointed out. The airline is considered a major tourism growth driver in the Philippines as it has made travel to the country affordable. “By allowing both foreign and Philippine carriers equal access to traffic rights, the push to increase tourism can be achieved," Cebu Air said. — JE, GMA News