AsBAA Signs MOU with Subic Bay International Airport at ABACE2018
AsBAA Signs MOU with Subic Bay International Airport at ABACE2018 The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), Asia’s non-profit association for Business and General Aviation (BA/GA) announced at ABACE2018 a new MOU signing with Subic Bay International Airport to develop its infrastructure with a view to advancing BA/GA in the Philippines.
The Philippine Chapter launched in September 2017 and is the newest addition to ASBAA’s regional committees. The Chapter began 2018 by leading a delegation of its members on a site visit and investment trip to Manila, Clark and Subic Airports to meetings with regulators, airport operators, and aviation stakeholders. The visit was arranged with a view to providing the attendees a well-rounded view of the opportunities and challenges of operating in the country.
Chair of the AsBAA Philippine Chapter and President of Inaec Aviation Corp, Benjamin “Jay” Lopez, said, “AsBAA will support and advise on the initial design and on-going operation of the Subic Bay International Airport. This is envisioned to bring about an immediate and reliable facility that regional BA/GA operators can access as another option to operate from in the Philippines. The Country’s focus on infrastructure development, particularly aviation-related infrastructure, to help decongest Manila is welcomed. Plans have long been discussed and now is the time for action. We are delighted to assist the authorities in advising on these vital enhancements to Philippine aviation infrastructure”.
In addition to the activity at SBIA, the Chapter has been actively promoting safety best practice in the country with an AsBAA Aviation Safety Day and Pilot’s Day being planned to take place in August 2018. In addition, AsBAA’s student and careers chapter will soon be rolled out to the region. An official mascot for young and aspiring aviators has been identified in the person of an 8-year-old boy named, “Mio”. He will help to inspire more young Filipinos into exploring eventual careers in aviation.
At ABACE, representatives of the Philippine government will likewise be on-hand to present investment opportunities in Subic, Clark and the surrounding areas. Leading the delegation is Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Chairperson and Administrator Wilma “Amy” Eisma and Bases Conversion and Development Authority, SVP Business Development and Operations Joshua Bingcang. Amy said, “We see great opportunity for Business and General Aviation in the Philippines. The first challenge will be to overcome the issues caused by overcrowding and to enhance infrastructure to allow the industry to thrive, create jobs and drive investment into Manila. We look forward to working with AsBAA on these exciting developments”.
The SBIA agreement is now the second MOU that the association has signed in 2018 to develop airport infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The first relates to a cooperation between AsBAA and Malaysia Airports (MAHB) to advise the Malaysian Government on the Subang Regeneration Project, City Airport Development and other initiatives in the economic free zone. Under this agreement, AsBAA has been asked to deliver intelligence to the Board of MAHB, the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) in late April. This will form the basis of future airport infrastructure development plans. Further news on this will follow in early May.
