The Philippines is eyeing to carve a niche of the lucrative global aerospace market as local industry players recently showcased their competitive edge at the Aeromart Exhibition in Toulouse, France recently (November 29 – December 1, 2016).
The local aerospace industry’s participation in the global exhibition was made possible by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Paris (PTIC-Paris) and the Aerospace Industry Association of the Philippines (AIAP).
Aéromart Toulouse is an international aerospace business convention where representatives from the industry gather to network and promote new and emerging opportunities in the aerospace supply chains and production networks. For the 2016 edition, organizers reported that 2,300 participants attended the event, 75 percent of which are international, representing 45 countries.
Aeromart Toulouse served as the country’s follow up promotion event after the local players participation at the 2016 Singapore Air Show last February 2016. Participation in international events is one of the marketing strategies set in the Aerospace Industry Roadmap which is seen to further strengthen the competitiveness of the local aerospace players.
Aside from participation in international exhibitions and events, the Philippines is also looking at the possibility of organizing an aerospace international event in the near future.
Photo shows Honorary Consul of the Philippines to Toulouse, France, Mr. Jeffrey Augustus R. Cabuay (center) with Mr. Froilan Pamintuan, Director and Commercial Attache of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Paris and Mr. John Lee, President of the Aerospace Industry Association of the Philippines (AIAP) at the Philippine booth during Aeromart in Toulouse, France last December 1.
Trade Undersecretary for Industry Development and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said that the joint implementation of the Aerospace Industry Roadmap by the government and the private sector will further develop the Philippines’ capabilities in the key segments of aerospace namely parts manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and aviation trainings.
“Our participation in the event further affirms the confidence and competitiveness of the local aerospace manufacturing and aviation industries. These industries have charted significant growth and we see these maturing industries ready to compete in the global market,” he said.
“The growth of the aerospace and aviation industry will mean more export earnings for the country and more quality jobs for Filipinos particularly for the country’s graduates of engineering and aviation-related courses. We will take advantage of the event, and others of this nature, as an opportunity to create traction for our positioning to be the aerospace manufacturing hub for ASEAN,” he said.
The Aerospace Industry Roadmap projects export revenues of up to $1.5 billion in the next 10 years.
During the event, the Philippine delegation conducted business meetings with various players of the global industry where the BOI presented the opportunities and strengths of the Philippine Aerospace Industry.
DTI Undersecretary for Industry Promotion Nora Terrado said the joint participation of the government and the industry at the Aéromart aims to generate awareness for the growing Philippine aerospace industry. “Not many people realize that Philippine-based companies currently produce parts for major aerospace manufacturers like French company Airbus and US-based Boeing,” said Undersecretary Terrado.
Mr. John Lee, President of the AIAP also added that apart from flight control actuation systems, galleys and equipment, interiors, fit out panel assemblies and others, the Philippines is also a preferred and emerging location for a number of MRO companies, both foreign and domestic.
PTIC Paris Commercial Attaché Froilan Emil Pamintuan also noted that French companies are interested in working together with the industry for skills upgrade programs that will eventually make more local manufacturers AS9100 certified, which is a basic requirement among aerospace parts manufacturers.