THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) ends 2024 with remarkable progress, marked by significant milestones in aviation safety, infrastructure modernization, and enhanced regional and global collaboration.
To modernize the country’s airports, CAAP strengthened its strategic partnerships with the private sector.
One major achievement of the year was the successful transfer of the Laguindingan Airport to Aboitiz InfraCapital to boost operational efficiency, enhance passenger experience, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Additionally, the signing of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for Bohol-Panglao International Airport reflects CAAP’s vision to elevate the Philippines’ airport facilities to international standards.
The agency has also initiated plans for developing the New Dumaguete and New Siargao airports.
The CAAP also signed a Non-Binding Air Navigation and Implementation Cooperation Work Plan with the Federal Aviation Administration. This partnership establishes a strong framework for sharing non-sensitive data and resources to advance air navigation.
The CAAP likewise collaborated with AeroThai to upgrade the country’s aviation communication systems and partnered with Aireon to enhance air traffic monitoring and management capabilities.
The Philippines also joined a multilateral agreement with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to exchange aviation data and information. This landmark collaboration encourages greater integration and efficiency across Southeast Asia’s aviation landscape.
On the global stage, the CAAP actively participated in key forums to promote the interests of the aviation sector.
CAAP director general Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo and his deputy for operations Capt. Edgardo Diaz represented the country at the 2024 Civil Air Navigation Services Organization Global ATM Summit and the 28th Annual General Meeting in Azerbaijan. The summit focused on critical issues, including environmental sustainability, and brought together aviation leaders and air traffic management experts.
The CAAP also participated in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ senior transport officials meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and other key Philippine officials. The discussions focused on initiatives to enhance regional transportation systems, further demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment to improving connectivity in Southeast Asia.
The CAAP solidified its leadership role within the region with Tamayo’s appointment as chairman of the 21st Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme South East Asia Steering Committee Meeting and the 35th Asia/Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group. These appointments reflect the trust of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other member-states in the Philippines’ dedication to aviation safety and excellence.
ICAO secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar and ICAO council president Salvatore Sciacchitano praised CAAP for its successful hosting of the Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Asia and Pacific Regions in Cebu.
The conference addressed vital issues such as aviation safety, air navigation, security, and sustainable economic development, underscoring the country’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the aviation industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, the CAAP remains steadfast in its mission to drive innovation, foster global partnerships, and deliver world-class services. With its continued focus on modernization, operational excellence, and safety, CAAP is well-positioned to enhance the Philippines’ role in the global aviation industry.
