The United Arab Emirates represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has signed a MoU with the Philippines government to increase flights between the two countries.

The MoU was inked by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA director general in the UAE and Doroteo A. Reyes II, undersecretary for Civil Aviation, Department of Transportation and Communications and chairman, RP Air Negotiating Panel in Philippines.

The two delegations agreed to confirm the designation of Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, RAK Airways and to designate Fly Dubai as a new national carrier from UAE Side.

As per the agreement, both sides will work towards a phased increase of 89 weekly flights.

Of this five additional weekly frequencies will be for each side to/from Manila; 42 additional weekly frequencies for each side to/from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Clark); 21 additional weekly frequencies for each side to/from Cebu International Airport; and  21 additional weekly frequencies for each side to/from other airports in the Philippines.

The two parties also agreed to allow the designated airlines of each side to operate up to 600 tons per week per direction to/from Cebu International Airport.

The duo agreed that the designated airlines of the UAE shall have the right to exercise full fifth freedom traffic rights only up to 14 weekly frequencies between any intermediate point(s) and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Clark) only, and any point(s) beyond, except Japan, the USA and Canada.

Under the pact, the designated airlines of the Philippines shall have the right to exercise full fifth freedom traffic rights only up to 14 weekly frequencies between any intermediate point(s) and any one point in the UAE only, and any point(s) beyond, except the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Both delegations also agreed to hold consultations within one year from the date of signing the MoU.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mohamed Ibrahim Al Juwaid, the UAE ambassador to Philippines and Libran N. Cabactulan, Philippines ambassador to UAE representatives in addition to representatives from Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Sharjah Civil Aviation Department, Emirates airline and Etihad Airways.-TradeArabia News Service