09 September 2014 - Following the successful conclusion of the Air Talks between the Philippines and New Zealand from March 5 to 6 and the utmost importance being given by both countries in facilitating closer air and people-to-people connectivity, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez met with Philippine Airlines (PAL) AVP/Head Jose E.L. Perez de Tagle and Government and Industry Affairs, External Affairs Manager Arnel M. Vibar in Manila on August 18.

They discussed possible pathways, arrangements and updates on developments relating to enhanced air connections that would serve as key enablers to greater trade, investment, tourism, education, economic and people-to-people linkages between the Philippines and New Zealand.

“The establishment of direct air connectivity is a priority in our cooperation with New Zealand. As partners in the bilateral and regional arenas and given the increasing engagements with each other and the ASEAN region as well as the growing Filipino community and visitors exchange between the two countries, the Philippines and New Zealand are seeing very good opportunities and making things happen in the air services sector and are well poised to open more doors and reach new heights in our bilateral and regional relationships,” Ambassador Benavidez stated. END