Philippines, Turkey ink air pact allowing direct flights

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines and Turkey today signed an expanded air services agreement to allow direct flights for the first time between the two countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the pact will allow Philippine carriers to expand their operations.

Under the new agreement, both the Philippines and Turkey will designate one or more airlines to undertake the agreed services.

Initially, Jose said flag carriers Philippine Airlines and Turkish Airlines will operate the flights under the new accord which has been under negotiation since 2010.

The air pact was signed during the official visit of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Malacanang, the presidential palace. It grants Philippine carriers three frequencies per week for passenger services between points in the Philippines to Istanbul and Ankara.

The agreement also allows three frequencies per week for all- cargo services between Manila and Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Turkey's designated carriers are granted three frequencies per week for passenger services between points in Turkey to Clark and Manila. The chosen carriers were also given three frequencies per week for all-cargo services between Istanbul and Manila.