Protection, security of PH maritime domain top forum topic at PhilMarine 2018 events
Former President Fidel V. Ramos, National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., and former Coast Guard commandant Carlos L. Agustin lead the whole day 134th Maritime Forum slated at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City on June 29, 2018. The forum topic is “Protecting and Securing Our Maritime Domain.”
Agustin, president and chairman League that runs the maritime forum, will introduce Esperon as keynote speaker who will delve on the subject, “Freedom of Navigation and maritime security in the Sulu Seas.” After Esperon’s piece, DOT Usec for eco-tourism Marco Bautista will talk on “Coastal and Environmental Tourism: Prospects and Challenges,” followed by a vital presentation of the National Defense College of the Phils. (NDCP). Agriculture Undersecretary and BFAR chief Commo. Eduardo Gongona PCG (ret.) will present his report on “Maritime Food Security in Philippine Rise.” Reactions and interactions from League members and guests will be coursed through moderators.
After lunch break, Ramos, chairman emeritus of the League, will administer the oath-taking of new League members. He will be assisted by Agustin.
The three-day PhilMarine conference and exhibition will open on June 27, hosted by the Maritime Industry Authority now headed by Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero.
Marina will present updates in Philippine shipbuilding and repair, shipyard management, Green Port initiatives, boating industries, update from Cebu-based Tsuneishi Heavy industries shipbuilding.
On June 28, participating stakeholder and exhibitors will make technology presentations.
ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece's largest carrier Aegean Airlines signed a $5-billion deal with Airbus for up to 42 aircraft to renew its fleet of singleaisle planes, stay competitive and add capacity for future expansion.
It is the largest order by a Greek carrier and third time Aegean has invested in new aircraft since launching operations 19 years ago.
Seeking to reduce maintenance and fuel costs, Aegean, a member of the Star Alliance airline group, had been considering the Airbus A320neo or Boeing's 737 MAX. It picked Airbus in late March.
"I believe it is a good day for Greece with the news coming out of Brussels, but certainly a very good day for Aegean and Airbus," Airbus CEO Tom Enders said at a signing ceremony at Aegean's technical base at Athens airport.
Earlier on Friday Greece reached an agreement with euro zone finance ministers, securing debt relief to smooth out its return to market financing after eight years of living mainly on loans from euro zone states.
"We begin a new cycle of growth while reducing our operating cost, necessary in a globalized and competitive market," said Dimitris Gerogiannis, Aegean's CEO, adding the order was for up to 42 planes, including 10 A321s.
Aegean, which flies domestic and international routes, also owns former flag carrier Olympic Airlines, which was privatized in 2013. Most of its current leases need to be replaced between 2019 and 2023.
Last year, Aegean grew full-year net earnings by 87 percent on an improved load factor and higher sales, riding a strong tourism year. In 2017 it flew a total of 13.2 million passengers.
While the new aircraft will offer 15 percent fuel savings, they are just the hardware, CEO Gerogiannis said. "It is the quality, culture and efficiency of our people that gives us our competitive advantage," he said.
Aegean executives said the carrier will also invest 30 million euros ($35 million) to build a new 12,000 square meter facility in Athens for flight and cabin crew training.