CAB shrugs off critics’ moratorium claims

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has shrugged off critics’ allegations that it has imposed a moratorium on the issuance of permits to foreign airlines who want to mount flights to Manila.

In a statement issued Friday, the CAB said that it “continues, and will continue to approve applications for foreign air carrier’s permits (FACPs) filed by duly qualified foreign carriers” that want to operate here in the Philippines.

“The CAB will not stop approving permits for foreign airlines. We approved five such permits just this year. Some foreign airlines may prefer to fly during peak hours, so they have to wait for slots,” said CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla.

Having more foreign carriers alongside local carriers dovetails with the Philippine government’s program to improve connectivity, which is vital to the promotion of trade, tourism and public convenience.

More air carriers will also give the public a wide array of choices and more economic alternatives to suit their budget.

On Thursday, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and the Federation of Tourism Industries of the Philippines issued a statement, urging the government to come up with a plan to handle flight requests from international airlines.

The groups said their plea was due to the CAB’s denial of the requests by India’s Jet Airways and Oman Airways to mount regular flights to Manila. But CAB said that Jet Airways (India) Ltd. was issued an FACP in October 2011, expiring in August 2016.

The application of Oman Airways meanwhile is set to be processed as soon as all the documentary requirements are submitted. Amy R. Remo