Phl aviation on the cusp of major transformation

The Philippines is poised to become a leading regional player in the aviation sector by 2028, according to Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista. 

The sector’s major transformation is fueled by increased investment and private sector involvement in crucial areas like infrastructure, human capital and sustainable development. 

“The Philippine aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation,” Sec. Bautista said during the recent Aviation Summit organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. 

Apart from modernizing and upgrading the country’s major airports, such as the Nino Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the transport chief cited critical initiatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) including the upgrading of the country’s air navigation management system. 

He added that further upgrades and improvements in Communications, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS ATM) systems will be undertaken next month with help from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

The Secretary said the Philippines can “finally catch-up on the significant under-investment in airport development over the years.” 

The rehabilitation and modernization of airports will lead to increase in passenger capacity, while generating employment and tourist arrivals. 

Other airports lined up for modernization include the Tuguegarao, Bacon, Loakan, Daet, Cauayan, Vigan and Candon. 

In Visayas and Mindanao, airports for improvement are Catbalogan, Dumaguete, Kabankalan and Calbayog as well as those in Zamboanga, Mati, M’lang, Jolo, Siargao and Tandag.