Philippines Pursues Bilateral Air Talks with Oman to Boost OFW Travel and Investment

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it wants to expand flights between the Philippines and Oman, and hopes to enhance the current air service agreement. “We are committed to expanding our air links with Oman to give our fellow Filipinos, especially our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), more options for direct, convenient, and affordable travel between our two countries,” Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said in a statement on Monday. The DoTr has ordered the Civil Aeronautics Board to discuss with the government of Oman the possibility of bilateral air talks within the year, Mr. Lopez said. The DoTr said Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser bin Said bin Abdullah Al Manwari had requested additional Oman-Manila flights to make fares more affordable for contract workers and strengthen tourism and trade. Air services between the Omani capital of Muscat and Manila currently operate seven times a week. The DoTr said it also discussed with Oman a proposed memorandum of understanding to explore potential investments in Philippine transportation projects. The DoTr has said that it is undertaking consultations for further air service agreements with India, the US, Australia, Thailand, the UK, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Ethiopia, Oman and the Seychelles. — Ashley Erika O. Jose