The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially commenced the implementation of its Depot Level Maintenance (DLM) capabilities development for the C-295 fleet.
According to PAF Spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo, this initiative is aligned with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to establish in-country Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for PAF air assets.
“PAF took a significant stride toward the nation’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program with the successful conduct of the first in-country 4-Year Inspection Induction Ceremony for the C-295 aircraft,” she stated.
This development is part of PAF’s pioneering Performance Based Logistics (PBL) acquisition, which is facilitated through a three-year Full In-Service Support (FISS) contract with Airbus Defence and Space (ADS), the manufacturer of the C-295 aircraft.
The contract encompasses Ground Support Equipment (GSE), DLM training, and comprehensive maintenance support that includes technical assistance, logistics, and material availability.
The in-country execution of this FISS contract enables PAF personnel to conduct Major Scheduled Maintenance (MSM) on the C-295 fleet.
“This strategic acquisition move by the PAF ensures a reduction in scheduled maintenance costs by more than a hundred million pesos per aircraft,” Castillo explained.
“While this development enhances the skills of PAF personnel and improves operational efficiency, it also significantly contributes to the growth of the Philippine aerospace industry,” she added.
