ASEAN 'OPEN SKY' POLICY TO BENEFIT AVIATION SECTOR, TRAVELLERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Association of South-East Asian
Nations' (Asean) open sky policy is set to benefit the sector as well as the
travellers.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Bashir Ahmad, said Asean could not
emulate the open sky agreement between the European Union and the United States.

"Although we cannot emulate them, we can open up among ourselves on a
consensus basis," he told reporters at the 14th World Route Development Forum
(Routes KL 2008) here Monday.

The forum, hosted by MAHB, is attended by 2,500 delegates.

Bashir said the Asean way would benefit the travellers.

He said the bilateral air services agreement between Malaysia and Singapore
has resulted in the growth in the traffic.

"When the government allows Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia Airways to fly
here early this year, the market grew by 10 percent from 1.3 percent in
2006-2007," he said.

The Asean open sky policy will allow flights between capital cities in
Asean without limitations.
-- BERNAMA