Laggard to leader: PH aviation plays ‘catch up’, aims for industry excellence by 2028

The Philippines is on track to become a leading player in the aviation sector by 2028, thanks to investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainable practices, said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Airport modernization projects will expand passenger capacity, create jobs, and boost tourism.

This includes the P170-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport, with ongoing proposals from conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

Moreover, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is leading efforts to enhance the country’s air navigation systems.

Jaime Bautista 

Transportation Secretary 

Catching up

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

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

What’s next?

Further improvements in communications, navigation, and surveillance systems, as well as air traffic management, are scheduled for November. 

Airports slated for upgrades include Tuguegarao, Loakan, and Vigan, among others. In the Visayas and Mindanao regions, improvements are planned for airports such as Dumaguete, Zamboanga, and Siargao.