Philippines, Morocco to ink air services pact

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Morocco have agreed to an air services pact that will enable direct flights between the two countries, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

“Pending the ratification of the air services agreement, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding granting full third and fourth freedom traffic rights for both passenger and cargo, and setting out other operational details for their respective designated carriers,” the DOTr said.

The air service agreement would pave the way for the respective carriers of both countries to mount daily flights to and from each other’s territory.

It would result in further increase in tourism figures and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, as well as boost  their economic and social relations.

The deal with Morocco is the seventh air service agreement by the Philippines in the African region. Last July, the Philippines inked an air pact with Rwanda.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines will establish an embassy in Morocco next year.

Last year, the Philippines upgraded its air services agreement with Switzerland and also inked a memorandum of understanding with Thailand containing the draft of a new air services agreement that will replace the old one signed in 1953.

The Phillippines and Australia likewise agreed to enhance air connectivity in line with efforts to boost the economy and tourism industry of both countries, while in June, the country and Papua New Guinea inked a new air services pact which increases the entitlements of designated carriers between Manila and Port Moresby, as well as in other points in the two countries.