PH seals air deal with Macau

The complex of Galaxy Macau is illuminated in Macau in this May 15, 2011, file photo. The Philippines sealed a new air deal to increase flights to Macau on expectations that tourism and trade would continue to increase. AP

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines sealed a new air deal to increase flights to Macau on expectations that tourism and trade would continue to increase.

Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla said that, under the new air agreement, weekly seat entitlements would increase from 4,500 to 7,020.

Currently, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and AirAsia Zest fly to Macau.

Arcilla noted that AirAsia Zest required additional seats to Macau.

“Air Asia Zest needed the entitlements because they are operating four flights a week on the basis of a temporary grant of entitlements,” Arcilla said in a text message.

He also noted that developments in Macau—a special administrative region in China known as a global gaming hub—could also draw Filipino visitors and workers.

“It is envisioned that the current infrastructure projects in Macau, that would connect Macau by land to Hong Kong and other nearby Chinese cities, would increase the catchment area of Macau and therefore expand market opportunities,” Arcilla said. “The new infrastructure projects in Macau will also increase requirements for Filipino workers.”

After Macau, the Philippines will engage in new air talks with Russia and South Africa “in July or August,” Arcilla said, pointing out that the regulator has yet to confirm the discussions.

Recently, the Philippines and Canada signed a new air deal to increase flight entitlements for each side from seven flights to 14 flights a week.

The Philippines also recently closed an air deal with Burma, paving the way for direct flights between both countries.

The new memorandum allows a total of 3,780 seats, or three flights a week, between Manila and Burma.

The parties also agreed to unlimited traffic rights between all points in the Philippines, except Manila, and all points in Burma.