Filipino carriers disappointed over govt's 'Open Skies' policy

Manila Bulletin
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
May 9, 2011, 3:54pm

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino carriers claimed their proposals on the 'Open Skies' policy have fallen on deaf ears after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the 'Open Skies' Policy (EO 29) Sunday.

Cebu Air (CEB) expressed its disappointment over concerns on reciprocity right, the airline said in a statement. “The CAB adopted none of CEB’s proposed amendments that would have produced fair competition and enshrined reciprocity into the IRR,” CEB said.

Despite the lack of reciprocity in the IRR, CEB remains hopeful that the CAB will be faithful to its promise to revoke the air rights of foreign carriers with home countries that fail to give similar unlimited access to Philippine carriers to their skies.

“We strongly believe that the Philippine airspace is a valuable asset, and should be used to further the long-term interest of the nation through mutually beneficial air agreements,” according to CEB.

CEB can compete with foreign carriers if given a level playing field of equal and reciprocal traffic rights. This level playing field is vital for the continued viable existence of an airline which has invested billions of dollars in the Philippines, and employs thousands of Filipino workers and professionals, CEB said.

“With reciprocal 'Open Skies', CEB, as a homegrown Philippine flag carrier, will have the opportunity to offer its Filipino brand of service and trademark low fares to the Asia-Pacific region and the Overseas Filipino Workers employed in those countries. Sadly, the current IRR of EO 29 will deny that option,” CEB said.

However, “We assure the government of our continued cooperation and full support of their objectives to boost tourism in the Philippines,” the airline added.