PAL, Cebu Pacific nix UAE air talks

MANILA, Philippines - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and budget airline Cebu Pacific reiterated their appeal to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) not to hold another round of air talks with the United Arab Emirates.

In a joint statement, PAL, owned by taipan Lucio Tan, and Cebu Pacific, owned by tycoon John Gokongwei, said further increasing the flight frequencies between Manila and the UAE would only benefit (Gulf carrier) Emirates.

“We reiterate our appeal against holding a new round of bilateral air negotiations with the UAE in the near future. Air talks with the UAE is not a priority at this time, given the significant increase in capacity over the past year and it may only legitimize Emirates’ third daily frequency,” the airlines said.

CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the Philippine air panel is set to meet anew on Dec. 19 to discuss the proposed new round of air talks with UAE scheduled next month after failing to reach an agreement last Thursday.

“An increase in the agreed number of flights arising from a new round of talks would effectively regularize the third daily flight of Emirates which is currently authorized on a temporary basis until Dec. 26,” Arcilla said.

The Philippines concluded air talks with UAE in September 2012. The new air pact doubled the flight entitlements to 28 per week from 14 per week between the two countries. 

Emirates and Etihad Airways have 14 flight entitlements per week while PAL has 14, PAL Express has seven, and Cebu Pacific has seven.

However, Emirates is currently flying three times a day or 21 flights a week between Manila and Dubai while Etihad complies with the required twice daily flights or 14 times weekly flights.

PAL and Cebu Pacific said local airlines have managed to increase their flights to the UAE by 75 percent to 21 flights a week over the past few years.

“Emirates’ request for accelerated air talks with the UAE is due for deliberation on Dec. 19. We hope that the CAB remains guided by their mandate of serving the interests of the Philippine aviation industry,” the airlines added.

Last Thursday, the regulator slapped a P1.8 million fine on Emirates for selling tickets for the Manila-Dubai route until October next year without prior government approval.

It would be recalled that CAB only granted a 30-day extension, or until Dec. 26, to Emirates to operate three daily flights between Manila and Dubai after the first 30-day extension given to the airline expired last Nov. 26. 

Last October, CAB turned down the petition of Emirates to use the unutilized frequency of PAL until March next year. The Middle Eastern carrier filed an appeal before the CAB.