The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) to develop its infrastructure with a view to advancing its business aviation offering in the Philippines.
The Philippine chapter launched in September 2017 and is the newest addition to ASBAA’s regional committees. The chapter started 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.
Benjamin Lopez, chair of the AsBAA Philippine chapter and president of Inaec Aviation Corp, said, “AsBAA will support and advise on the initial design and ongoing 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”.
The SBIA agreement, finalized at ABACE, 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.
