BIZ BUZZ: Ready for takeoff: PH-UAE trade

It’s not only exporters eyeing the gains from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Airlines are buckling in, too.

This week, UAE flag carrier Emirates said it would add four weekly flights to its Dubai-Manila route starting April 2, positioning itself to ride what it called the “growing economic and trade ambitions” between the two countries.

This expansion comes as the Cepa removes tariffs on about 95 percent of Philippine exports to the UAE, clearing the way for products such as bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics and machinery to move more freely.

Emirates said the additional flights would be operated using its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, each offering up to 20 tons of bellyhold cargo capacity.

“By adding four more flights in its weekly operations to Manila operated by this wide-body aircraft, Emirates will offer increased cargo capacity to further strengthen imports and exports between Manila and Dubai, as well key trade markets across Europe, the United States and the Indian subcontinent,” the airline said.

Cargo is only part of the picture, however. Each flight can also carry up to 354 passengers, capturing demand from corporate travelers, marine customers and Filipinos working in the Middle East.