THE Philippines and Singapore on May 9 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to upgrade air connectivity between the two countries.
In a statement on Sunday, May 12, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said the MOU, an upgrade of the 2010 bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA), allowed 150 weekly codeshare services to carry passengers between Singapore and Manila, with airlines from third countries as codeshare partners.
“This is a significant increase from the current limit of 35 weekly codeshare services. The new limit of 150 weekly codeshare services will double by end-March 2026, and will be fully lifted by end-March 2027,” the statement read.
There would also be no limit on codeshare services between Singapore and other points in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the MOU also allows Philippine air carriers fully owned or controlled by nationals of other countries to access the traffic rights exchanged in the ASA, as long as their principal place of business is in the Philippines.
Previously, only airlines that were substantially owned and effectively controlled by Philippine nationals could do so.
“It is important to provide a favorable regulatory environment so that our carriers can capitalize on new business opportunities. This MOU will facilitate improved air connectivity between and beyond both countries and is a win-win outcome for both countries,” said Singapore’s Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Yee Ping Yi.
Deputy Secretary Yee Ping Yi and Philippine Assistant Secretary for Aviation and Airports Enrique Antonio J. Esquivel III signed the MOU. (GMA Integrated News)
