Lopez Group exec heads Phl chapter of int’l aviation guild

The Philippines recently launched its own chapter of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), Asia’s non-profit association for business and general aviation.

Benjamin Lopez, president of INAEC Aviation Corp. (INAEC), has been designated as the first head of the AsBAA chapter in the Philippines.

INAEC, formerly known as Iloilo Negros Air Express Co., was organized by the Lopez family in 1932 as the country’s first Filipino-owned private airline. A subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Inc., INAEC now provides chartering and non-scheduled air transport service to customers.

With support from the Philippine chapter, AsBAA organized a mission composed of aviation delegates from across the region who conducted a recent Philippine investment trip and site visit.

The AsBAA delegates held meetings with officials from different government agencies, including Manila International Airport Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Clark Development Corp., Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark International Airport Corp., and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, to discuss opportunities for investment and development in the country’s aviation sector.

“We at the business aviation sector keenly feel the challenges we face in the Philippine aviation industry with the marked increase in the number of passengers travelling to, from, and within the Philippines. But this trip has given us cause for optimism. As we met with the regulatory authorities, it is clear that the government is not only enthusiastic but, more importantly, determined to build the requisite infrastructure to effectively meet this growing demand. We look forward to working with the government to ensure that the concerns of the business aviation sector are part of the development plans of Manila, Clark and Subic,” Lopez said.