AVIATION officials of Turkey and the Philippines signed a bilateral air agreement last week expected to be implemented by end of the year or early next.
In an interview, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) deputy executive director Porvenir Porciuncula said the air agreement initially covers three flights and allows for 300 tons of cargo a week.
“We are hoping Turkey can confirm the agreement sooner since they chose to clear the pact through diplomatic channels,” Porciuncula said. “But as far as we are concerned, this is just a formality.”
For now, only Turkish Airlines has expressed interest to service the route.
In a related development, the Philippines and Bahrain also agreed to increase flight entitlements between the two countries.
Under the new agreement, from Bahrain to Clark/Subic and vice versa, frequencies rose to 28 per week on each direction from three per week.
For Bahrain to Cebu and vice versa, weekly frequency is now seven on each direction from once a week; and Bahrain to roving points except Manila, seven per week on each direction from three per week.
