Aviation stakeholders in Asia gather for inaugural Phl confab

The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), a nonprofit representative body for the business and general aviation sector in Asia, will host industry stakeholders at its upcoming inaugural AsBAA Safety Day and Pilots’ Day in the Philippines on Nov. 13-14, 2018.

AsBAA Philippines chapter head Jay Lopez said as the group recognizes the importance of the Philippines as a growth market, “our mission is to provide a bridge between industry and regulators to ensure a prosperous and safe industry ecosystem in the Philippines.”

“We have seen six to seven percent GDP growth for the past five years and we expect continued forward growth over the medium term. This will continue to attract foreign direct investment and business-related flights. To ensure these opportunities are maximized, AsBAA will lead on cooperation and communications with the authorities,” he said.

AsBAA actively advocates the implementation of international standards, such as the IS-BAO and IS-BAH training programs which have become the internationally recognized standard for safety in the aviation industry. The association promotes a culture of safety best practice at a regional and local level through its country chapters and regional Safety Days.

The association has active chapters in Greater China and Southeast Asia, and the Philippines chapter has been one of the most active due to intense interest in the local opportunities for growth and development.

Lopez added, “The industry has been cited as one that is primed for growth and advancement in the Philippines. However, there is also a need for more prudent, stringent, and practical approaches to aviation regulation, especially in relation to safety. “The attendance of distinguished speakers, which include Sen. Grace Poe, Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, International Business Aviation Council director general Kurt Edwards and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines director general Capt. Jim Sydiongco, indicates the rising interest in the sector and the requirement for neutral, non-profit organizations such as AsBAA to take the lead in actively ensuring a safer environment,” he said.

AsBAA seeks to create a platform for industry stakeholders to come together to discuss relevant issues in order that policies can be created and implemented to ensure a safer environment. This will then ensure a stable industry that is best positioned to grow and thrive.

The AsBAA Safety Day is a continuation of the Safety Day series of events which AsBAA holds elsewhere in the region. The AsBAA Pilots’ Day is a community event which is complimentary to pilots who hold valid licenses.