Singapore and the Philippines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance and liberalize air services between the two nations. This agreement was signed by Yee Ping Yi, Singapore’s Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and Enrique Antonio J. Esquivel III, the Philippines’ Assistant Secretary for Aviation and Airports.
The new MOU updates the existing Air Services Agreement (ASA), originally signed in 2010 and last revised in 2015. This enhancement allows Singapore and Philippine airlines to significantly increase their weekly codeshare services from 35 to 150 between Singapore and Manila. By the end of March 2026, this limit will double, and by the end of March 2027, it will be completely lifted.
Expansion of Codeshare Services
Additionally, the MOU removes the cap on codeshare services between Singapore and other locations in the Philippines. It also allows codeshare services between Singapore and any points in the Philippines involving airlines from ASEAN or the European Union, without any restrictions.
Under the upgraded ASA, Philippine airlines that are fully owned or controlled by nationals of other countries can now access the traffic rights exchanged in the ASA, provided their main place of business is in the Philippines. Previously, only airlines substantially owned and controlled by Philippine nationals had this access.
Yee Ping Yi commented on the MOU, stating, “It is important to provide a favorable regulatory environment so that our carriers can capitalize on new business opportunities. This MOU will facilitate improved air connectivity between and beyond both countries and is a win-win outcome for both countries.”
This upgraded ASA is expected to enhance air connectivity, fostering greater business and tourism opportunities between Singapore and the Philippines.
Summary of Key Points
- Increased Codeshare Services: The MOU allows up to 150 weekly codeshare services between Singapore and Manila, set to double by March 2026 and be fully lifted by March 2027.
- Unlimited Codeshare Services: There will be no limits on codeshare services between Singapore and other points in the Philippines, as well as between Singapore and any points in the Philippines involving ASEAN or EU airlines.
- Traffic Rights Access: Philippine airlines owned by foreign nationals can now access traffic rights, given their principal place of business is in the Philippines.
- Regulatory Environment: The MOU aims to provide a favorable regulatory environment to enhance air connectivity and business opportunities.
The upgraded agreement between Singapore and the Philippines marks a new phase in their aviation partnership, promoting more robust air connectivity and economic cooperation.
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