PH now part of ‘game-changing’ Asean-EU air pact

The Philippines is now a signatory to an aviation cooperation agreement among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and European Union, which opens greater opportunities to operate air transport services between the two regions amid heightened efforts to regain prepandemic vibrancy.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in a statement on Monday, announced that it had joined the Asean-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (AE-CATA) during the 28th Asean Transport Ministers Meeting over the weekend.

“As a key player in the transport affairs of the Southeast Asian region, the Republic of the Philippines is supportive and is one with the other partner nations in pushing for agreements and areas of partnership that will further develop the region’s transportation potentials,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

The AE CATA is the world’s first inter-bloc air transport deal aimed at strengthening air connectivity and bolstering the economies in the regions. The agreement gives Asean and EU airlines more opportunities to facilitate passenger and cargo services within and beyond the two economic blocs.

“This agreement will prove to be a game-changer as both Asean and EU countries slowly recover and rebuild from the effects of the pandemic. The agreement will have a profound impact in the areas of trade and tourism for Asean and the EU,” Bautista added.

“AirAsia Philippines welcomes the country’s inclusion to the CATA as this will bolster economic connectivity, through commercial and cargo flights, between PH and other Asean member countries with the rest of the European Union,” Steve Dailisan, spokesperson and head of communications and public affairs of the low-cost carrier, told the Inquirer.

Bautista said the Philippines was also now part of the Asean Agreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Cooperation.

He said that the country, as such, would be adopting several guidelines related to “aviation safety, air traffic management, consumer protection, and environmental and social matters.”

Being part of the cooperation would benefit the Philippines, he explained, through “information exchange and sharing of best practices.”

The annual Asean transport Ministers meeting, which was chaired by Indonesia this year, provides platforms for Asean members to discuss initiatives to improve cooperation within the region.