RP TO PURSUE OPEN SKIES POLICY
Manila, Feb. 14, 1998 - The Department of Transportation will pursue a liberal "open skies" policy, if necessary, this year.
In a position paper submitted to the Senate, the DOTC explained that an "open skies" policy will allow the carriers of other countries unrestricted operations in the Philippines, including the type of aircraft, number of passengers and cargo tonnage to be transported.
What was not spelled out in the paper was whether the Philippines would seek a reciprocity agreement with other countries under the proposed new air policy. Reciprocity would mean the Philippines' flag carriers would be given the same rights by other countries that would avail of our policy.
The DOTC has even recommended offering incentives to foreign airlines which will establish their regional hubs in the Philippines, in order to transform the country into the center of transport and trade telecommunications and tourism in Asia.
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