Pasay City, Philippines – The Philippines continues to position itself as one of the most promising markets in the Asia-Pacific region—driven by sustained economic growth, a young and growing population, and a geography that makes aviation not just necessary, but essential. As an archipelago, the country’s progress is closely tied to the development of its aviation sector.
Realizing the full potential of Philippine aviation, however, requires stronger public-private collaboration and an enabling investment environment, reinforced by modern infrastructure, forward-thinking policies and regulatory reforms, competent workforces, and improved air connectivity across the country and beyond.
Underscoring the linked role of both government and private sector in supporting economic growth and facilitating trade and investment, particularly in the aviation industry, co-organisers European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), and Event Co-Presenter and Official Carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) have announced the launch of the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit. Since its inception in 2023, the Summit has aimed to help chart a course for a more sustainable and globally competitive Philippine aviation industry.
“At the ECCP, and through our Aviation Committee, we remain deeply committed to these goals—not only by advocating for policy reforms, but also by providing platforms like the Aviation Summit that foster dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful partnerships,” said ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein.
The previous iterations of the Summit highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the local aviation sector and the contribution of business aviation to economic development and enhanced connectivity. This year, the Forum’s agenda is to double down on more tangible partnerships that leverage private sector expertise and capital with clear and stable government policies that prioritize operational efficiency and responsibility, while also ensuring safety and security.
“The strength of this Summit lies in the partnerships we’ve forged—between the public and private sectors, between local and international stakeholders, and between innovators and policymakers. This collective spirit is what gives meaning and momentum to our efforts,” Gottein added.
According to AsBAA Board of Governors member Max Motschmann, the event promises an even more high-profile program of speakers and sessions that address crucial industry trends, global airport and airline regulations and laws, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) deployment and regulatory support, capacity building of Filipino aircraft professionals, and the role of the private sector in aviation investment and development.
“The objective of the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit is to assist the industry in coming up with a unified approach for a modern aviation sector in the Philippines, regulated by internationally accepted standards and adapted to the Philippine aviation landscape,” underscored Motschmann.
Cementing the role of partnerships in the launch of the Summit, the ECCP and AsBAA formalized an event partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), while entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PAL during a press conference held on Monday.
Present as signatories were DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Hon. Jim Sydiongco, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Verna Buensuceso, CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario AFP (Ret), PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley Ng and PAL Executive Vice President and General Counsel Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, as well as ECCP Director Florian Gottein, and AsBAA Board of Governors Member Max Motschmann.
With the recent transition in leadership at the DOTr, Usec. Jim Sydiongco reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing Philippine aviation, and further lauded ECCP and AsBAA’s diligence in engaging the transport sector in the planning process of the Summit.
“Through this Summit, we welcome the opportunity to share the progress the Department and its attached agencies will be making under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon, particularly in terms of strengthening air connectivity across key growth corridors and underserved regions; advancing airport modernization and rehabilitation projects through public-private partnerships; promoting aviation safety, security, and regulatory alignment with international standards; and fostering greater sustainability within the sector,” said Usec. Sydiongco.
On the part of regulatory body CAAP, the agency enters the partnership with the mandate of implementing comprehensive and impartial rules and regulations for the Philippine aviation industry.
“Looking ahead to 2025, I am encouraged by the clear and consistent message: As the industry continues to grow and evolve, so must our partnerships,” said CAAP Director General Del Rosario. “And that includes stronger collaboration between regulators and stakeholders across government, business, and civil society.”
CAAP has contributed to the Summit’s discussions since its launch in 2023, and has actively supported workshops organized by the ECCP and its Aviation Committee.
“The challenges we face, from connectivity gaps and infrastructure constraints to global standards and emerging technologies, require a unified approach and sustained dialogue. To ECCP and AsBAA, thank you for continuing to elevate these conversations—and for giving space to both continuity and new leadership in the industry,” concluded Del Rosario.
DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Verna Buensuceso also commended the organizers for championing tourism and aviation, sectors that form the foundation of Philippine growth and advancement.
“They are closely linked, playing essential roles in promoting progress and fostering connections between people,” stressed Buensuceso. “Every milestone we reach in tourism sends a clear message to the aviation industry to expand, to innovate, and to aim for greater heights.”
Moreover, Summit Event Co-Presenter and Official Carrier Philippine Airlines and its President and COO Capt. Stanley Ng shared how the Dialogue will provide a valuable platform for stakeholders to share the ideas, solutions, concerns, and insights that will help the Philippines move forward and achieve long-term growth in aviation.
“We are excited to work with our fellow stakeholders, the transport and tourism authorities, the international business community, the diplomats, and economic leaders in making this summit productive and stimulating. This is an exciting time for Philippine aviation,” concluded Ng.
The 2025 Aviation Summit is set to take place on 8-9 October 2025 at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City.
Participants can register for the event by emailing [email protected].