AsBAA, Asia’s non-profit representative trade body for business and general aviation has announced the launch of a new chapter of the association in the Philippines; initiated to support its members looking to operate in this part of the region. Max Motschmann, Chief Executive Officer, International Jet Management Asia Ltd has been appointed as member of the Board of Governors and to assist in establishing a new Philippine AsBAA chapter.
The new Philippine chapter, which will launch with an inaugural event, the AsBAA Manila Conference on 26 October 2017 at the Shangri-La Makati, will seek to engage government, local companies, education institutions and the media to learn more about the business and general aviation (BA / GA) industry and the great opportunities in the Philippines. AsBAA Vice Chairman, David Dixon MBE FRAeS said, “Philippines is an island nation where business and general aviation is needed to support the economies, communities and during calamities that hit the country frequently. There is a highly trained workforce originating from the country but many workers go overseas to use their skills. AsBAA is now preparing to assist the Philippine government to develop rules and regulations which will enhance the business and general aviation industry, thereby creating jobs that lead to the return of highly skilled engineers and technicians while increasing investment into the Philippines and creating new business opportunities in the BA and GA sector”.
Max Motschmann
Currently, the Philippines has congested airports where business and general aviation must share limited slots with commercial airlines. The energy, mineral and tourism industries need a dedicated airport with full service Fixed Base Operators (FBO) and complete maintenance facilities at international standards. Under the new AsBAA Philippines Chapter, the association will make recommendations to and support the government in the establishment of a safe and efficient business and general aviation airport in the larger Metro Manila area, operable at all times and in most weather conditions. In addition, AsBAA is recommending the establishment of FBOs in major business and tourist destinations which will cater to the tourism industry in the country.
Motschmann said, “I am honoured to take up the position as a member of the Board of Governors at AsBAA whereby I will lead on the associations work in the Philippines, initially. I plan to leverage my skills and experience in the aviation sector to improve conditions for business and general aviation entities, both domestic and foreign, that are operating or plan to operate here, while supporting the government to realise the great opportunities that exist already. Much of the work to be done is about education and shifting perceptions, primarily, helping the government to fully appreciate the positive economic growth that can be realised as a result of supporting BA / GA. GA and BA growth, combined with investment into Maintenance and Repair Organisations (MRO) will encourage the return of highly skilled Filipino engineers and technicians to their home country, create a need for new training facilities and eventually establish the Philippines as a highly skilled MRO and BA/GA hub in Southeast Asia. AsBAA views such development as a win-win for the government, the economy, local communities, and the BA and GA industry”.
AsBAA led delegation to the Philippines in 2016
In addition to working with the government, AsBAA will be promoting a culture of excellence in relation to safety standards. As part of this, AsBAA will work towards a safety and service culture which will ensure that Domestic and Foreign registered aircraft operating under Air Operators Certificate or under Corporate IS-BAO certification are viewed as safe operators and should be given equal access to slots as partners of the commercial airlines. The association will also assist in promoting non-Philippine registered BA aircraft operating under AOC and/or with IS-BAO certification to be given an easier access to the Philippines airspace and airports in terms of lead time and documentary requirements until the Philippines has established its own viable and certified BA fleet.
Through its student chapter, Discovery, AsBAA is also looking for partners in the Philippines to increase education on careers and opportunities in BA and GA, eventually leading to the establishment of an AsBAA led training facility to support the industry. AsBAA Chairperson, Jenny Lau said, “The AsBAA leadership encourages our fellow Philippine based BA and GA leaders of industry to actively volunteer and participate with us to assist Max with the challenges ahead to turn these exciting opportunities into a successful reality.”
For further information about AsBAA, its achievements and activities connect with AsBAA on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIN, Instagram (asbaa_official), and WeChat (AsBAA_News). Media Contacts, Sarah Keates and Amy Yang can be reached to learn more about AsBAA for interviews with its leaders.
