Clark emerging as Asia’s next aviation hub

CLARK FREEPORT – This Freeport is gaining recognition as Asia’s next aerotropolis in Asia. During the media launch of the Aeromart Summit here last week, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Chairman Ramon Lopez highlighted the potential of Clark as an aviation hub.

“Clark is being recognized as the next aerotropolis in Asia and it definitely will put the country in the global stage as one of the manufacturing repair and overhaul (MRO) hubs of planes and aircraft in the Region,” Lopez said.

The holding of the first Aeromart Summit in the Philippines June 4 to 6 will prove that the country is getting recognized as a big player in the aviation industry, he said.

The hosting of Aeromart Summit in Clark will also give local aerospace industry to shine, Lopez said.

The summit “aims to launch the local aerospace industry on a wider scale and create greater awareness of our industry as a recognized partner in MRO and aerostructures manufacturing in the Asia- Pacific region,” he said.

Aerospace Industry Association of the Philippines (AIAP) Chairman John Lee said Clark is the ideal place for holding the Aeromart Summit. “We been lucky, of course, with the help of Secretary (Lopez) and DTI, that finally Aeromart in Clark will happen, I believe that this is the best place as an aerotropolis,” he said.

The event aims to promote the Philippines’ capabilities in aerospace parts manufacturing, aircraft MRO, and aviation training.

During the press launch, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group Evangeline Tejada gave a brief update on the development of Clark, while Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Assistant Vice President Darwin Cunanan provided a briefing on Clark Airport.

The said summit is made possible by the BOI, in cooperation with CDC and various government agencies, industry associations and players.

Clark is currently host to various aerospace and aviation firms such as SIA Engineering Philippines, JAMCO Philippines, and Dornier Technology among others.