The Philippines and Turkey are set to have direct flights—the first time between the two countries—early next year.
Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey, will have its inaugural flight next year after Turkey and the Philippines signed an air-service agreement early this week allowing direct flights between the two countries.
Philippines-Turkey Business Council Chairman Ernesto Chua told reporters that Turkish Airlines will start its direct flight to Manila and Clark in Pampanga from Ankara and Istanbul in March 2015.
Chua added that Turkish Airlines will offer both passenger and cargo air services three times a week.
“It will cut three hours of travel time between Istanbul and Manila from the normal 12-hour connecting flight via Dubai,” Chua said.
The Philippines and Turkey signed the air pact during the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu this week when he also met President Aquino in Malacañang.
The air-services agreement grants the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines and Turkish Airlines to have three frequencies a week both for passenger and cargo services.
Meanwhile, Chua said Prime Minister Davutoglu was also looking into the development on the proposed creation of the Bangsamoro political entity.
“Turkey is an observer of the Bangsamoro,” he said.
The Philippines and Turkey have 65 years of bilateral relations.
PNA