PHL attracts Canadian aviation firms

The government has met with aviation companies in Canada, discussing potential expansion in the Philippines, while local airlines move to bolster their maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service capabilities.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said this was critical in her itinerary on her official trip to Canada this month.

Roque added that Cebu Pacific and AirAsia plans to expand into MRO services.

She said these two low-cost carriers are studying how they can provide repair services for other airlines, either based abroad or locally, in a bid to diversify their income sources.

The government is keen with the proposal that aligns with ongoing efforts to attract more foreign investments.

The DTI chief added this is also driven by the increase of foreign-based carriers mounting flights to Manila and other destinations.

“We also want repairs here in our country. Meron na, pero mas lalakas pa,” Roque said.

Courting Canadian aviation companies into the country may be a direct consequence of the rumored exit of MRO service provider Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

LTP is reportedly planning to move away from the country’s main gateway after its lease rates went up.

Roque denied any connection, as she asserted that government is only placing greater focus on the aviation industry.

Corollary to this, DTI is looking at private partnerships for its plan to sponsor aspiring pilots.

The Trade Secretary said they are considering possibly funding tuition fees for students in aviation schools, as well as loan agreements.

Roque’s itinerary include meetings with businesses in which products from Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to thrive.

She inaugurated an SME hub in Toronto, featuring Philippine products that meet export standards.