Philippine air carriers can now allow flights to the US following upgrading to Category 1 by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the country complies with international aviation standards after six years in Category 2 status, according to Shipping Gazette.
The upgrade is credited to the work of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in addressing safety concerns raised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), reports the Philippines Star.
CAAP deputy director-general John Andrews says the lifting of restrictions promotes the Philippines to "world-class" in the aviation industry, boost the country's tourism industry and bolster US/Philippines trade relations.
Carmelo Arcilla, executive director of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said the moves mean Philippine carriers, particularly PAL, may now expand operations into the US supported by a major re-fleeting programme of 100 new aircraft for long-haul flights to the US and Europe.
It also means that carriers which meet operational requirements in terms of equipment and organisation can now apply designation as official Philippine carriers.
"Ultimately, this is a triumph not just for the government or our carriers, but for the public that will have improved options for air travel that are assuredly world class," Mr Arcilla said.
PAL got the green light from the European Union in July last year to service European destinations, paving the way for the launch of direct flights to London in November.
The nation's budget airline Cebu Pacific (Cebu Air) is also likely to increase flights to the US once its US$4 billion re-fleeting programme begins, which involves the acquisition of 49 Airbus aircraft.
AirAsia welcomes the FAA upgrade also which "means Air Asia Philippines can now have access to routes", said its chief executive Tony Fernandes.
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