Philippines in spotlight as host of AsPac aviation conference

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s hosting of the 52nd Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference for Asia-Pacific is a manifestation of the renewed trust of the global civil aviation community in the Philippines, local aviation officials said.

“It is opportune that the conference is being held at a time when the Philippine civil aviation has rebounded from the doldrums of sanctions and restrictions since 2008,” Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director general William Hotchkiss III said during yesterday’s opening ceremony.

For his part, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the Philippine aviation industry has regained its stature as a reliable authority after it surpassed the challenges in the recent years.

The significant safety concerns imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was lifted in March 2013 and Philippine carriers have been delisted from the European Union (EU) blacklist.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) was removed in July 2013, Cebu Pacific in April 2014 and other local carriers were allowed to fly in EU air space since June this year.

“The Philippine aviation has also regained its Category 1 aviation safety rating in April 2014 after years of being downgraded at Category 2,” Abaya added.

He noted that the aviation industry is experiencing tremendous growth that will help economies thrive.

“Air transportation supports the major growth drivers, namely tourism, agriculture and job generation,” Abaya said.

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) projected that by 2034, passenger traffic may reach 7.3 billion on a 4.1 percent average annual growth rate. The Asia-Pacific region alone will make up 42 percent of total global passenger traffic and an average annual growth rate of 4.9 percent.

Abaya added a recent study revealed international passenger demand in the country will reach 41.7 million by 2030, hitting an average annual growth rate of 4.9 percent.

The DGCA Conference is an annual engagement where civil aviation officials from 31 countries come together to discuss technical issues in civil aviation safety and security. This year’s conference revolves around the theme “Evolving the New Generation Aviation Professional towards a Harmonized, Safe, Secure and Green Asia Pacific Sky.”

“We shall emphasize the vital importance of compliance to the standards and practices of ICAO, ensure the safety and security of Asia-Pacific and explore mutually beneficial approaches in the different facets of civil aviation,” Hotchkiss said.