Manila, HK ink air deal

The Philippines and Hong Kong sealed on Wednesday a new air deal doubling weekly flights to and from Manila. Photo shows the Hong Kong harbor. Hong Kong remains a popular destination for Filipino tourists and migrant workers.

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines and Hong Kong sealed on Wednesday a new air deal doubling weekly flights to and from Manila.

This replaced a 2008 agreement and provided further signs that tensions between Manila and Hong Kong had eased since the tragic 2010 Manila hostage crisis when Hong Kong tourists were killed.

Carmelo Arcilla, executive director of the Civil Aeronautics Board, said the air talks yielded an increase in weekly seat capacity for the Manila to Hong Kong route to 30,000 seats from the previous 15,000 seats.

Moreover, both parties agreed to unlimited flights from Hong Kong to all international airports in the Philippines outside Manila. This was important for hubs like Clark International Airport in Pampanga province, which was allowed only 4,300 seats per week under the old air deal, Arcilla said.

The talks, described as long-delayed, were prompted by high demand from carriers like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and the domestic unit of Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd. Hong Kong remains a popular destination for Filipino tourists and migrant workers.

“We are definitely interested (in increasing flights to Hong Kong) and will make the necessary filings with the CAB,” Jorenz Tañada, Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs, said in a text message on Wednesday.

“It is hoped that the new agreement will usher in a new era of growth in the bilateral aviation relationship between the Philippines and Hong Kong,” noted Arcilla, who added that tensions between the Philippines and Hong Kong have since “simmered down.”

Reports in April this year indicated that Hong Kong had accepted the country’s apology over the bus hostage incident four years ago, during which eight (or seven) Hong Kong tourists were killed while several others were injured. The bus hijacking was staged by sacked policeman Rolando Mendoza, who was also killed in a shootout with local law enforcement officials.

Tensions heightened early this year when Hong Kong canceled the visa-free privileges of Philippine government officials.

The air talks with Hong Kong followed the successful round of discussions with Ethiopia last week, opening up new avenues for air travel and trade in Africa. Up next are air talks with Malaysia from Oct. 28 to 29, the CAB said.