CAB stops SEAIR’s new routes

Manila Bulletin
May 19, 2011
By ANJO PEREZ

MANILA, Philippines — Acting on the complaints of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Thursday issued a cease-and-desist order for South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) and Tiger Airways from starting to operate flights between Manila, Cebu, and Davao after they determined that airplanes from the Singapore-based air carrier will be used in the domestic service.

CAB findings revealed that SEAIR had been advertising their new flight routes using Tiger Airways aircrafts – which is illegal as it is not covered by the lease agreement between the two airline companies that was approved by the board.

It was learned that the partnership between the two air carriers only allows SEAIR from using Tiger Air airplanes for their regional flight service between the Philippines and Singapore.

According to the CAB resolution, using the Tiger Airways planes for the domestic routes is not allowed as SEAIR is only allowed the third, fourth, and fifth Air Freedom Rights, which is from one country to another, and not within.
The CAB resolution gave SEAIR and Tiger Airways 30 days to respond.

Meanwhile, SEAIR President Avelino Zapanta said they will comply with the resolution and that they will submit all the necessary documentation proving that their partnership and operation is legal.