Business Mirror
April 12, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will tap the expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) in appealing AirphilExpress’ case before South Korean aviation officials.
Low-cost carrier AirphilExpress was barred from flying to the gateway of the Seoul capital when it filed its application to resume its Kalibo-Incheon flights. In denying its application, Seoul had cited a ban on the Philippines imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Last week, air industry representatives from the Philippines and South Korea met to amend both countries’ air services agreement. AirphilExpress was looking forward to have its case discussed by authorities but the countries decided not to.
“The parties agreed that since the issue is a technical matter then it will have to be taken up in a different consultation,” said CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla in a phone interview yesterday.
The air talks between the Philippines and South Korea were held on April 2 and April 3. “The issue on air talks was more of an economic discussion whereas Airphil’s case is a technical matter which needs the expertise of technical people such as those in the Caap,” said the CAB official.
The board, added Arcilla, may turn to Caap for assistance when the Philippine aviation officials meet up with South Korean officials. “We need technical people and not just the air panel because we have no competence to deal with that.”
The Caap is the agency tasked to address the findings of the US faa which has found 23 “critical elements” in Philippine airports. The Caap is working hard to address this so the country can regain its “Category 1” safety status.
The rating of the country has been downgraded to Category 2 five years ago because it has failed to comply with world safety standards.
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