Philippine Aviation Avoid Ukrainian Airspace

Philippine Aircraft do not fly over the Ukrainian Airspace where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 Crashed According to a statement from Philippine Aviation Officials released.

The Malaysian Airplane was reportedly shot down by a surface to Air Missile, claiming 298 passengers, including 3 Filipinos. No group or individual has claimed responsiblity for the act, but US intelligence experts have told Agence France Presse (AFP) that Pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine may be behind the attack.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Deputy Director General Capt. John Andrews echoed the theory the plane was shot down. He said the act was premeditated as the Malaysia Airlines Aircraft was on a Commercial flight path and used a Civilian Transponder Signal.

It was not also a case of Mistaken Identity as claimed by the Ukrainian rebels as a fully armed Jet Fighter is not capable of going up to 33,000 feet, Andrews added.

Downing of civilian aircraft may be considered an act of war said by Andrews.

The downing of a Malaysia Airlines Jet over rebel held Eastern Ukraine has raised questions over why the company allowed the plane to fly near a conflict zone Airspace that many other Asian carriers had abandoned months ago.

The Air Corridor Over Ukraine has always been a crowded one for Flights between Europe and Asia particularly Southeast Asiaand re routing around the Airspace would mean an increase in flight time and fuel costs.

Meanwhile, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), which flies to London, does not use the Route where Malaysia Airlines was shot down, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said.

PAL does not have overflight rights to cross Russian territory at this stage and the legacy carrier uses the trans Asian route that passes through Turkey.

The carrier also does not fly to Russia except for some previous charters to Vladivostok in the eastern part of that country, Arcilla added.

In a statement PAL Offered its condolences to the loved ones of those who perished in the ill fated MH17.
We wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims of this tragic incident and join the rest of the world in praying for those who were lost, as well as their loved ones,PAL said.

PAL also assured passengers, particularly those flying its direct Manila to London Flights that it continues to strictly follow Regulations on Flight paths.

We comply with all safety advisories covering allowed flight routes, Areas Of Restriction or Conflict Areas, and all other related matters governing flight paths.

PAL mounted a direct flight to London in November, marking its return to the United Kingdom capital.