Philippines seeks codesharing agreement with South Korea

MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) wants additional seamless travel options for passengers from the Philippines going to the United States through a third-country codesharing agreement with South Korea.

CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, in an interview last week, said this potential deal would allow travelers from the Philippines to fly to the United States via South Korea with only one plane ticket.

“You only buy one ticket, you only deal with one entity,” he explained. “So, in terms of marketing and convenience for the passengers, it gives advantages.”

READ: United Airlines adds 2nd Manila-San Francisco flight

“[That] agreement with Korea will enhance the commercial viability of US carriers operating in the Philippines,” Arcilla said.

This arrangement is seen to complement the direct flights of United Airlines, which operates the Manila-San Francisco route.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines services nonstop flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu and Guam.

The country’s long-haul flight network has been expanding with the entry of foreign airlines.

Apart from the Manila-San Francisco route, United Airlines is also operating San Francisco-Narita-Cebu flights.

Qantas Airways has begun servicing flights linking Manila and Brisbane. Air France is also now linking passengers between Manila and Paris.

In April, Air Canada launched its inaugural Manila-Vancouver flights.

By Oct. 1, Filipino travelers will be able to fly directly to India with the launch of nonstop flights between Manila and Delhi by Air India.

The Manila-Delhi routes will also provide Filipinos routes to Europe via India. Air India flies to London, Birmingham, Vienna and Copenhagen.

Arcilla said several foreign airlines have been eyeing to set up operations in Manila but not everyone can be accommodated at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport because of limited slots. INQ