Philippines and Brazil announced on Wednesday the signed agreement following the approval of new air rights between the two countries this week.
Initiated by the Philippines at the request of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, which has plans to expand its network, the agreement allows up to seven flights a week between Manila and any point in Brazil including an unlimited number of flights between any point outside of Manila to any point in Brazil.
Flags of Brazil and Philippines (Illustration by crossed-flag-pins.com)
As of this writing, there are no direct flights between the Philippines and any country in South America which makes this deal the first air service agreement (ASA) between the Philippines and a South American country.
Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said that included in the deal are fifth-freedom rights between the two countries, which will allow airlines in the Philippines to reach other points in South America via Brazil. Conversely, this gives Brazilian carriers the right to reach other Asian destinations through the Philippines.