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Aug 20, 2010
MANILA — National carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) welcomed the government’s proposed open skies policy but warned of possible dangers should the country’s infrastructure fails to accommodate foreign airlines in the already busy airports in Metro Manila.
“Let’s make it clear: PAL is not against open skies. We just want it to be fair, reciprocal and its implementation
should be phased-in and calibrated.” PAL president Jaime J. Bautista said. President Benigno S. Aquino said the country was ready to allow foreign airlines to service the various PAL routes in case the flag carrier’s flight attendants and
stewards continue with their planned strike. Speaking to reporters Thursday, President Aquino said that adopting an open
skies policy could be more feasible than the government taking over PAL.
Bautista said the President’s pronouncement was a wake-up call for both PAL management and its cabin crew union to immediately solve the CBA impasse. “We hear the President’s call that we must find solutions to avoid any inconvenience to the riding public,” he said.
He said that the policy should be viewed in the context of available infrastructure like Ninoy Aquino International
Airport’s (NAIA) congested single runway, overburdened terminals and the country’s negative image as a tourist destination.