|
MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) -– The Air Service Agreement (ASA) between the governments of the Philippines and Finland was fruitful.
Doroteo
Reyes II, Undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC), head of the delegation, signed the ASA in behalf
of the Philippines.
On
the other hand, Finland will sign and send the agreement to the
Philippine side upon fulfillment of its internal process, after which
each side will provide notice regarding the entry into force of the
Agreement through diplomatic channel.
Capacity
in terms of flight frequencies for passenger services: The designated
airline/s of Finland may operate Helsinki-Manila up to four weekly
frequencies; points in Finland-Clark, up to seven weekly frequencies;
points in Finland to other points in the Philippines except Manila and
Clark up to seven weekly frequencies.
The
designated airline/s of the Philippines may operate on the routes of
Manila-Helsinki, up to four weekly frequencies. Clark to points in
Finland up to seven weekly frequencies; other points in the Philippines
except Manila and Clark-points in Finland up to seven weekly
frequencies.
For the above entitlements, a frequency means a round trip, without restrictions to aircraft type.
Both
sides also agreed on all-cargo service for the route
Clark/Subic-Finland, vice-versa with a weekly capacity of 700 tons for
each side.
The
Department of Tourism (DOT) representatives are excited on the
prospects of tourism in Finland saying that “many Finnish take their
vacation, particularly during winter to escape the season even for just
two weeks. The Philippines can be a good destination for those who
enjoy the sea particularly diving, snorkeling and surfing.”
The
air connection (if the airlines can operate soon despite the effect of
the US financial problem and the oil price level) will enhance these
opportunities and increase the cultural exchange between the people of
the two countries and even those from the Nordic countries and northern
Europe.
The
Philippine delegation who went to Helsinki, besides Reyes, is composed
of Franklin Ebdalin of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),
Porvenir Porciuncula, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Jocen de Tagle,
Maria Socorro Gonzaga of PAL, representatives of DOT, Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) and Cebu Pacific (CEB). (PNA) |