ÌÀÍ·Ìõ

May 08, 1997

Delegations Representing The Governments Of The Independent State Of Papua New Guinea And The Republic Of The Philippines Met In Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea On 6-9 May 1997 To Discuss Air Services Arrangements Between The Two Countries Pursuant To The Interim Agreement Between The Government Of Papua New Guinea And The Government Of The Republic Of The Philippines Relating To Air Services (The Agreement) Signed At Pasay City On 07 October 1975.&Nbsp;

The Discussions Were Held In A Friendly And Cordial Atmosphere. A List Of The Two Delegations Is At Attachment A.

The Following Understandings Were Reached:

Amendment To The Air Services Agreement

1. The Delegations Decided To Commence Consideration Of A Revised Air Services Agreement. The Delegations Agreed To Progress This Matter Through Correspondence With A View To Finalising The Revised Text At The Next Round Of Negotiations. In This Regard Both Delegations Exchanged Draft Model Air Services Agreements.

Multiple Designation

2. The Delegations Agreed To Provide For Multiple Designation In The Agreement.

Route Schedule

3. The Manila-Port Moresby, Vice Versa Route Shall Constitute The Trunk Route To Be Operated By The Presently Designated Airlines. A New Regional Route Between Davao Or Cagayan De Oro In The Philippines And Wewak Or Vanimo In Papua New Guinea Was Agreed Upon To Be Operated By An Airline To Be Designated By Each Party.

Capacity/Frequency

4. The Delegations Agreed To The Following Capacity Arrangements,

A. Trunk Route (Port Moresby-Manila, Vice Versa)

Each Designated Airline May Operate 150 Seats Per Week In Each Direction. Subject To An Agreement Between The Designated Airlines, The Capacity May Be Increased To 209 Seats Per Week In Each Direction.

B. Regional Route

Each Designated Airline May Operate 320 Seats Per Week In Each Direction.

Traffic Rights

5. The Two Delegations Took Note Of The Current Blind Sector Operation Via Hong Kong And Agreed That This Arrangement Will Continue. Both Delegations Agreed To Discuss Beyond Rights And Other Intermediate Points At A Later Date.

6. The Papua New Guinea Delegation Requested To Upgrade The Manila-Hong Kong Sector From A Blind Sector To Pick-Up/Drop-Off Rights. The Philippine Delegation Requested That This Matter Be Discussed At The Next Round Of Talks.

Taxation

7. The Papua New Guinea Delegation Raised Their Concern Regarding Taxation Matters. Both Delegations Agreed To Refer This Matter To Their Respective Authorities.

Future Discussions

8. Both Delegations Agreed To Meet Again In Manila On October Or November 1997 Or At A Later Date As May Be Agreed Upon To Consider The Air Services Agreement And Other Related Issues.

Entry Into Force

9. The Above Understandings Will Come Into Effect On The Date Of The Exchange Of Notes Through The Diplomatic Channels.

Signed At Port Moresby On 8 May 1997.