News
Airbus to develop Philippines as an aircraft parts hub in Asia.
Thursday 25th September 2014
During the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in France last week, he had a business meeting with Airbus officials. Airbus, a world leader in aircraft manufacturing commits to work closely with the Philippine government to develop Philippines as an “aircraft parts hub in Asia.”
The Airbus Group extended a hand to help the country regain trust from European Union Air Safety Committee earlier this year. EU had seen from the Philippine government with the efforts of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and other stakeholders “commitment and capacity to implement international safety standards in a sustainable manner.”
President Aquino thanked Airbus for helping in the process of regaining accreditation from EU.
Present in the meeting from Airbus are executive vice president for Asia-Pacific Pierre Jaffre and vice president for Philippines Airbus Pierre Lanore. The company also committed to help in the modernization of Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Two Airbus A400M, next-generation military airlift, was offered during Aquino’s visit. The airlift is capable of rescue and relief operation for disaster response. The possible acquisition may be done through government assistance from France.
As of today, Malaysia is the only non-European country who ordered A400M. A total of 174 units were ordered and deliveries started last year.