Air Asia gives discounts to gov’t workers on domestic flights

The agreement with Air Asia is the third one to be forged by the government following earlier GFAs with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific last year. (Photo: AirAsia/ Facebook)

MANILA — Government employees will now earn discounts on their domestic flights as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has signed Wednesday a Government Fares Agreement (GFA) with budget air carrier Air Asia Philippines.

The agreement will enable government workers to enjoy discounted rates and exclusive privileges on official trips.

Under the GFA, Air Asia will provide 8 to 9 percent discounts to all government employees on official domestic flights. Their rebooking fees will also be waived and they will be able to receive a complimentary 20 kilogram baggage.

“Being an initiative of the Department of Budget and Management and the Procurement Service, it seeks to limit costs and secure savings in the procurement of air transport needs of all government employees for their official trips,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in his speech during the signing held in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.

Government agencies may be able to book their flights online through the website of the Procurement Service which is an attached agency of the DBM.

The agreement with Air Asia is the third one to be forged by the government following earlier GFAs with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific last year.

As of end of 2017, a total of PHP202.8 million were generated as sales under the government fares agreement.

The government was able to save PHP19.5 million due to the discounted fares, according to the DBM.

A total of 138 government agencies have availed of the GFA including national government agencies; state universities and colleges; and government owned and controlled corporations.