PH, Russia sign air accord

The Philippines and Russia have signed a new air deal that paves the way for direct flights between both jurisdictions as well as valuable “overflight” rights that could cut travel time between Manila and Europe.

Carmelo Arcilla, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) executive director, said in an interview that an earlier deal signed with Russia did not define any capacity limits between both countries.

With the new air deal,  Philippine and Russian carriers could each mount 21 flights a week. Arcilla added that the move could trigger the development of routes to the eastern part of Russia.

“We are hopeful on the potential of the Russian economy and the travel industry,” Arcilla said.

He said a major part of the deal was the so-called overflight right, which would allow Philippine carriers to travel over Russian airspace.

For the present deal, he said Philippine carriers would be able to use the Trans Siberian Route, giving carriers more direct access to London and two points in Europe that have yet to be decided on, he said.

“(With) the overflight, carriers can now [save] two to three hours of flying time as well as fuel,” Arcilla said. “So market-wise, it is advantageous in terms of travel time and is more efficient.”