The Philippines’ five largest airlines see a “dynamic future” for the local aviation industry, but urge stakeholder collaboration to overcome major growth challenges.
Members of the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP)—PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, CEBGO, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Philippines AirAsia, are gearing up the 10-year-old association to speak with one voice in promoting a safe, reliable, efficient and world-class local aviation industry.
“The Philippines’ air carriers have prevailed over major upheavals to emerge as a thriving and progressive industry that delivers safe flights, reliable services and vital connectivity to power tourism, trade and the local economy.” ACAP chairman Carlos Luis Fernandez said.
“While our airlines will always be vigorous competitors to each other, we pledge to work as productive partners with our government and industry colleagues on our shared goal of promoting a robust air transport system that serves the Filipino people well,” he said.
The association earlier elected Fernandez as its new chairman and president, and Alexander Lao as its new vice chairman.
Fernandez is PAL’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, while Lao is Cebu Pacific’s president and chief commercial officer. They will each serve a two-year term at the helm of ACAP.
The ACAP airlines also appointed Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle as the organization’s new executive director. Perez de Tagle is a 40-year veteran of the airline industry who served most recently as PAL’s vice president for corporate affairs until May 2024.
“Our ACAP member airlines are focused on the future and determined to play a collaborative role in tackling industry challenges on various fronts, from aviation infrastructure and sensible regulations to sustainability and above all safety,” Perez de Tagle said.
“Working with other stakeholders, we can help build an industry that fosters safer skies, easier travel and a greener planet for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
In an example of robust industry collaboration last November, the ACAP airlines shared urgent safety information and made data loading equipment available to each other to expedite the mandatory update of aileron software on multiple Airbus A320-family aircraft.
Their efforts helped to reduce aircraft grounding times, minimize inconvenience to passengers and uphold the safety of airline operations.
The five ACAP member airlines flew more than 44.6 million passengers in 2024 with a combined fleet of 194 aircraft, connecting airports throughout the country and beyond to cities in Asia, North America, the Middle East and Australia.
