Category 1 Status Cements Landmark Era in Philippine Aviation Sector

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After seven (7) years, the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally upgraded the country’s civil aviation status from Category 2 to Category 1, enabling Philippine air carriers to open new direct flights to the US.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya lauds this significant development in the country’s aviation industry and notes that it would further strengthen ties with the US.

“This upgrade cements a landmark era in the Philippine aviation sector. From one major achievement to another in a span of less than 2 years, the country has made great strides in enhancing its aviation industry to one that is at par with the best in the world,” said Abaya.

“We congratulate the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for a job well done in ensuring the lifting of the ICAO’s significant safety concerns, the lifting of the European ban on local airlines, and now, the FAA upgrade to Category 1. Truly, your accomplishments prove that good governance and competent leadership will be the legacy of President Aquino’s Daang Matuwid,” Abaya stated.

Abaya adds that the upgrade will have a significant impact on the country’s economic thrust as it will allow airline carriers to open more direct flights to and from the US, which will boost the country’s tourism industry, help airline companies expand their operations, and improve trade and business relations between the 2 countries.

Philippine air carriers can now open more flights to the United States and have additional routes such as flying to the East Coast.

The benefits of this development include:

· The country’s airlines in addition to flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) can now fly to the US.
· PAL can now use more fuel-efficient planes.
· PAL can add new routes to and from the US.
· PAL can increase flight frequencies to and from the US.