Philippines strengthens air links with ASEAN neighbors

The Philippine government’s announcement of air service agreements with two ASEAN member states is helping in its bid to attract more tourists and business travelers to the Mindanao region (in the south), as well as other parts of the country.
Philippine-based Mosphil Aero has confirmed it is starting services from Zamboanga to Sandakan in Malaysian Borneo as its first destination.  The region has indicated it is looking forward to benefiting from Philippines’ participation under the East ASEAN growth destination agreement.

“By putting Sandakan on the aviation map, Malaysia can now welcome more Filipinos during our visit Malaysia Year 2007,” said Yeo Boon Hai, Sandakan Municipal president.

Yeo further pointed out, Zamboanga, in the Mindanao region, has a history with Sandakan dating back to the 18th century. “The travel time has now been cut down from 18 hours to just about one hour, which is even shorter than flying from Zamboanga to Manila.”

On August 30, the carrier conducted a successful test flight on the route with airline officials and government representatives.

Mosphil has confirmed it will operate a thrice-weekly flight between the two destinations, using Russian made Antonov-24B propeller-driven planes.

The Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board, at the same announced it has granted Singapore-based low cost carrier Tiger Airways a five-year permit to fly from Clark International Airport, in the north of Manila to operate flights via Macau to Singapore.

The carrier was previously granted only a temporary permit, allowing it to fly the Singapore-Philippines-Macau route, renewable every four months.

“We are delighted to receive approval of our application,” said Tony Davis, CEO of Tiger Airways. “Tiger Airways will continue to expand its operations at Clark, offering low fare travel to and from the airport in support of its bid to be a regional aviation hub.”