Don't rush into Open Sky accords, warns Manila lawmaker

A PHILIPPINES lawmaker has cautioned against rushing into Open Sky accords because the country lacks infrastructure and safety standards in aviation to cope with an influx of airlines that would result.

The Philippine Star said Representative Mark Villar issued the warning after President Benigno Aquino announced last week that he was set to issue an executive order (EO) that would pave the way for the adoption of a pocket open skies policy in the country.

"Before we decide to implement open skies and accommodate more airlines, we should first make an honest assessment of our infrastructure and safety measures for the industry," Mr Villar said.

Mr Aquino said the new EO would focus on "secondary gateways" such as Cebu and Davao.

Members of the House committee on transportation have said that an open skies policy would not necessarily invigorate the country's tourism industry.

Representatives Ben Evardone, Rene Relampagos and Magtanggol Gunigundo noted the statements of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in a recent public hearing that the pocket open skies would be useless unless the Philippines acquires a Category 1 status from its present Category 2 rating in terms of international aviation safety standards.

CAAP officials said a Category 2 status puts the country in the same standard level as many African nations.

Joseph Gumabon of the CAAP told the committee the country must be able to guarantee first that it would comply with internationally acceptable aviation standards as well as security and safety measures before the government implements an open skies policy that would fully liberalise the civil aviation industry.
(Source:www.schednet.com)