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GMA approves ‘open skies’ for cargo at Subic and Clark
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: None
Date: 2003-11-12
 
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed recently Executive Order (EO) No. 253 for an “open skies” policy for cargo at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone.



The order takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will also draft its implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from its effectivity.



The EO removed restrictions on the number of flights and on the type of aircraft used by cargo carriers flying in and out of the Subic Bay International Airport and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.



It will be noted that Subic hosts the regional hub of US-based cargo carrier Federal Express (FedEx) while Clark host another US-based cargo carrier United Parcel Services (UPS).



The EO also stated that the government will accelerate the development of the Subic and Clark airports as cargo hubs for the Asia Pacific region.



Under the order CAB will process applications of international air cargo carriers that want to operate in Subic or Clark. There will be no limits in the number of flights and no restrictions on the type of aircraft they will use.



However, cabotage will still not be allowed. As such, international cargo carriers still cannot fly domestic routes.



“The authority to operate such routes may be granted unilaterally without any restriction or limitation on capacity, type of aircraft and non-cabotage traffic rights other than those that may be required by considerations relating to airport security and aviation safety,” the order stated.



“The requirement of exporters of products and services from the Philippines for adequate, efficient and reliable air links at competitive rates with their customers and affiliates abroad shall be considered as a vital component of the national interest in the grant of Authority to operate cargo air services to and from Subic and Clark,” the order stated.



It also stated that foreign cargo carriers operating at Subic and Clark could apply with CAB for the waiver on restriction on capacity aircraft type and other traffic rights.



At the same time, the order stated that the liberalization of the industry should be accelerated so as to improve the Philippines position vis-a-vis the demands of global competition.



The order also stated that the declaration of open skies for cargo at Subic and Clark was in line with the directive of Republic Act No. 7227, the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, to implement a comprehensive development program for Clark Airbase as a major civil aviation complex for international passenger and cargo, and for the Subic Freeport as a specially economic zone ensuring the free flow of goods and capital.



Earlier, Avelino Zapanta, president and chief operating officer (COO) of Philippine Airlines (PAL) said the open skies policy or cargo would counter the position of the Philippine air panel negotiating with the US.



Zapanta also said that cargo has been the saving grace for PAL after the aviation industry suffered a slump. (A. Anne Villanueva)


[ Clark Special Economic Zone Wiki ]


 

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