Philippine Airlines “concerned” by UAE air talks
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Philippine Airlines says it is concerned about the number of flights that could be offered to UAE-based carriers under new bilateral talks.
At a media briefing, the national carrier revealed its “apprehension” about the ongoing discussions between the Philippines and UAE, which it said could have “pernicious consequences on PAL’s investments”.
In the last two years, PAL has relaunched flights connecting Manila with four destinations in the Middle East, plus London and New York. And it is concerned that providing any additional entitlements to UAE carriers would “create a distortion in the market”. It even warned that PAL could be forced to pull out of these new routes if more entitlements are granted to the UAE.
PAL appealed to the Philippine government to “resist any pressure to grant additional entitlements to UAE carriers, and instead challenge them to mount direct flights to airports outside Manila”.
Currently, Emirates operates two daily flights to Manila, having had their third service withdrawn earlier this year – a decision that was not well-received by the Dubai-based airline. Emirates also suspended its Clark route last year. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad also flies twice a day to the Philippine capital.
PAL meanwhile, operates four weekly flights to Abu Dhabi and six weekly services to Dubai.
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