AsBAA hosts industry and government leaders at inaugural Philippines Safety Day in Manila
AsBAA meeting
AsBAA, Asia’s non-profit representative body for the business and general aviation industry (BA/GA) has announced that it will host industry stakeholders and VIPs, including government officials, at its upcoming inaugural AsBAA Safety Day and Pilots’ Day in the Philippines from 13-14 November 2018.
Head of the AsBAA Philippines Chapter Benjamin “Jay” Lopez said, “AsBAA recognises the importance of the Philippines as a growth market. We have seen 6-7% GDP growth for the past five years and we expect continued forward growth over the medium-term. This will continue to attract foreign direct investment and business-related flights. To ensure these opportunities are maximised, AsBAA will lead on cooperation and communications with the authorities. Our mission is to provide a bridge between industry and regulators to ensure a prosperous and safe industry ecosystem in the Philippines. In advance of the AsBAA events on 13-14 November, we give our sincere thanks to the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and guests for their ongoing support.”
The AsBAA Safety and Pilots’ Day will welcome the following speakers:
- Senator Grace Poe, Senator at Senate of the Philippines
- Congressman Cesar Sarmiento, a member of the Philippine House of Representatives
- Secretary Arthur “Art” Planta Tugade, Secretary of the Department of Transportation
- Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard R, Kintanar, Jr. AFP, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force
- Captain Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
- Greg Wooldridge, Former Commanding Officer of the US Navy Blue Angels
- Kurt Edwards, Director General of the International Business Aviation Council
- Phil Balmer, Vice-Chairman, AsBAA
AsBAA actively advocates the implementation of international standards, such as the IS-BAO and IS-BAH training programmes which have become the internationally recognised standard for safety in BA/GA. The association promotes a culture of safety best practise at a regional and local level through its country chapters and regional Safety Days. The association has active chapters in Greater China and Southeast Asia, and the Philippines Chapter has been one of the most active due to intense interest in the local opportunities for growth and development.
Lopez added, “The industry has been cited as one that is primed for growth and advancement in the Philippines. However, there is also a need for more prudent, stringent, and practical approaches to BA/GA regulation, especially in relation to safety. The attendance of distinguished speakers, which include Senator Grace Poe of the Philippine Senate, Congressman Cesar Sarmiento of the Philippine House of Representatives, the Director General of IBAC, Kurt Edwards, and the Director General of the CAAP, Captain Jim Sydiongco, indicates the rising interest in the sector and the requirement for neutral, non-profit organisations such as AsBAA to take the lead in actively ensuring a safer environment.”
Max Motschmann, member of the board of governors at AsBAA, said, “The participation of such highly respected speakers indicates the relevance of this event and the interest in the sector at both a public and industry level. AsBAA’s role is to create a platform for industry stakeholders to come together to discuss relevant issues in order that policies can be created and implemented to ensure a safer environment. This will then ensure a stable industry that is best positioned to grow and thrive.”
The AsBAA Safety Day is a continuation of the Safety Day series of events which AsBAA holds elsewhere in the region. The AsBAA Pilots’ Day is a community event which is complimentary to pilots that hold valid licences. The events are sponsored by Embraer, Shell, Hawker Pacific, INAEC, Aviation Concepts Technical Services (ACTSI), Universal Weather and Aviation, Medaire, Aerolink, and Ascent Urban Mobility Philippines.
