Open skies soon a reality

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) believes that the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) multilateral air services agreement paving the way for an ASEAN “open skies” policy will soon be forged among the member-countries of the regional alliance.

Transportation Undersecretary for Air Edward Harun Pagunsan said recently that discussions among ASEAN transportation officials resulted in a decision that the pact would be signed by the heads of state of the member-countries.

“It might soon happen. It will not be an agreement signed by subordinate transport ministers. It will be an agreement of heads of state,” Pagunsan said.

It was learned that the pact will initially cover “capital cities” of the ASEAN member-countries.

“ASEAN is eyeing already all-unlimited traffic between capital cities and the next step, open traffic in all cities, and the next step will be open 5th freedom to all ASEAN nations,” Pagunsan said.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, for his part, said the forthcoming implementation of the ASEAN “open skies” will force local air carriers to shape up and be ready for the stiff competition from the giant air carriers of other ASEAN countries.

“We’re hopeful that our local carriers will be competitive,” Mendoza said.