Press Releases

Manila, Philippines — October 10, 2025 — The 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit concluded on a high note after two days of dynamic discussions, strategic collaboration, and high-level engagement, reinforcing the Philippines’ trajectory toward becoming a premier aviation hub in Asia.

Held on October 8–9, 2025, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, the summit gathered delegates from across the globe, including senior government officials, top executives, regulators, and aviation experts — under the theme “Steady Flight: Philippine Aviation into the Global Arena.”

Co-organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, OnePH Aviation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and co-presented by Philippine Airlines and Airbus, the summit featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, breakout session presentations, and networking opportunities focused on key areas shaping the country’s aviation future: infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, foreign investment, regulatory reforms, workforce development, and sustainability in aviation.

ECCP President Paulo Duarte opened the two-day event by delivering the welcome remarks where he highlighted the optimistic economic outlook for the Philippines. He stated, "Looking ahead, multilateral institutions project that the Philippines will remain one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies in 2025 and 2026." He emphasized that this momentum is a direct result of the enduring strength of Filipinos, the nation's young and dynamic population, and its strategic position as a vibrant hub for trade, tourism, and investment within the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, Duarte underscored the vital role of aviation in this growth story, noting that in an archipelago, air transport serves not merely as a mode of travel, but as a critical "lifeline of connectivity, commerce, and development" that links islands and regions.

Throughout the summit, speakers emphasized the urgent need to modernize aviation infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes, and invest in future-ready talent — all essential elements in securing the Philippines' place in the global aviation landscape.

One of the keynote speakers during the first day of the summit was Usec. Jim Sydiongco, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports at the Department of Transportation (DOTr). He underscored the importance of the summit by stating, “Today’s summit will provide us with the required and necessary inputs to improve the aviation sector, which stands to create significant economic activity and thousands of employment opportunities for Filipinos.”

During the first day, Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall shared the private sector’s insights on the Philippine aviation industry. He stated, "Today marks a defining moment for our industry, a time to come together and plot a roadmap to make Philippine aviation stronger, forward-looking and more competitive." 

Airbus Asia-Pacific President and Head of Region Anand Stanley continued on a positive note by saying that Airbus is deeply committed to the Philippines. He shared, “Airbus is committed to the rich talent of the Philippines and making sure that this is an aviation hub for the workforce. Airbus is committed to growing our industrial base and making sure that this is an industrial base for aviation in the region.”

As the keynote speaker for the second day of the summit, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism highlighted that aviation is a necessity in the Philippines. She stated, "For our archipelagic nation, aviation is not a mere luxury, it is a necessity. Every flight that touches down in and around the Philippines carries with it not just travelers, businessmen, and returning residents, but stories of opportunities, livelihoods sustained, and communities uplifted."

Philippine Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez asserted, "There is an urgent need to strengthen the Philippine airport network to remain competitive in the region. A true hub is measured not just by how many flights it has — but by its efficiency, reliability, seamlessness, and resilience.  This is why the Philippines needs a single, coordinated national airport masterplan." 

LTGEN Rozzano D. Briguez AFP (Ret), Deputy Director General for Operations of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, stated, "Each aircraft movement represents more than just the transport of passengers and cargo; it signifies the movement of people, ideas, and opportunities."

In his synthesis, LTGEN Raul Del Rosario AFP (Ret), Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), emphasized, "At the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, we recognize that the rapid growth of air transport represents both opportunities and responsibilities."

In his closing remarks Mr. Phil Balmer, Chairman of Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), remarked, "With the Philippines' strategic location, young and skilled workforce, and growing aviation ecosystem, it has become one of the most promising markets in the region; and whether the conversation focuses on sustainable aviation fuel, digital identity, or resilient infrastructure, our consistent message remains that the future of flight depends on how well we work together."

As the aviation industry rebounds and repositions for long-term growth, the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit has laid a strong foundation for collaborative action and strategic investment — firmly positioning the Philippines for takeoff as a regional aviation leader.

The event was a major success, supported by a broad coalition of government agencies, industry leaders, and international partners. Philippine Airlines served as the Co-Presenter and Official Carrier, alongside Airbus as a Co-Presenter. Key government support came from the Department of Tourism, the Department of Transportation, One PH Aviation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

We are grateful for the invaluable event support provided by our Advocacy Partners, including the Delegation of the European Union, Advantage Austria, the British Embassy Manila, the Embassy of Finland in Manila, the German Embassy in Manila, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and the Embassy of Sweden in Manila. Their collaboration and commitment have greatly contributed to the success and reach of the event. Additionally, we acknowledge the crucial Advocacy Support from the Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines, Inc., and Secure Connections. 

We also recognize our Silver Partner: Turkish Airlines, alongside our Bronze Partners: Cebu Pacific, SkyTrack, and Aboitiz Operating Airports. Furthermore, we acknowledge the support of our Networking Night & Booth Partners: Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Norwegian Special Mission, and Textron Aviation, as well as our Networking Night Partners: Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc., Ocampo Manalo Valdez Law Firm, Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, PMFTC, and Wingbox Aviation Inc. 

Our appreciation further extends to our Booth Partners: Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), Clark International Airport Corporation, FedEx, and Indra Group for their active participation and engagement.

Additionally, we recognize our Coffee Break Partner: Bertaphil, Inc., Marketing Partner: Prestige Planner, and Minor Prize Partner: AirAsia for their valuable support. We are grateful to our Media Partners: AVGeekPH, Aviation Updates Philippines, Business World, Port Calls, and The Manila Times for their comprehensive coverage. Finally, we thank our Venue Partner: Manila Marriott Hotel and Luncheon Partner: Newport World Resorts for their exceptional hospitality throughout the event.