South Africa, PH seal air deal

The Philippines and South Africa sealed  a new air deal, paving the way for flights between both countries, a government official said on Thursday.

Civil Aeronautics Board Carmelo Arcilla said in a text message that the agreement allows seven flights per week each for Philippine and South African carriers.

Arcilla said the memorandum of understanding was signed on Aug. 13.

There are no operators for the Philippine-South African market, as Arcilla noted “the market is quite small.”

But he noted that it was the South African government that sought air negotiations. Arcilla said that at least one South African carrier was keen on mounting flights to Manila.

“Air services between the Philippines and South Africa would improve our aviation network and connect us to the emerging markets of Africa,” Arcilla said.

The discussions represent the seventh successful air deal between the Philippines and other countries or jurisdictions in 2014.

Local aviation regulators so far held talks with counterparts from New Zealand, Singapore, France, Canada, Myanmar and Macau this year.

Up next are negotiations with Malaysia from Aug. 27 to 28 and then Hong Kong from Oct. 14 to 15, Arcilla said.

The discussions are mainly aimed at increasing seat entitlements, he said, amid a boom in air travel partly aided by the aggressive expansion of low-cost carriers.

Carriers like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and AirAsia Zest earlier said they were keen on mounting more flights to Hong Kong.