Subic eyed as flying boat hub

SUBIC BAY, Freeport , Philippines  – An Italian company engaged in manufacturing ultra-light aircraft has relocated to this freeport to take advantage of Subic’s position as a main product distribution center.

Ramphos Corp., owned and operated by Italian designer Enos Gaiga, has been manufacturing ultra-light aircraft since 1998. Seeing Subic’s potential in shipping products to other parts of the world, Gaiga decided to relocate in 2015 and made his first ultra-light flying boat here last year.

“The company is a welcome addition to the growing number of investors in Subic. It is optimistic that it can produce more ultra-light flying boats here,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator and chief operating officer Wilma Eisma told The STAR over the weekend.

 He said Filipinos are good craftsmen, especially in manufacturing boats and other vehicles.

 Gaiga said the firm’s first ultra-light flying boat, which was called Ramphos amphibious, was made in 1998 for recreational use. The following year, the company decided to produce the same boat for commercial purposes. 

Gaiga said Ramphos flying boats are easy to fly and can be used for sightseeing tours, fishing, adventure trips, search and rescue operations, sea and river patrol, light cargo delivery and special military operations.

Ramphos’ products have been sold in 32 countries.