With the Philippines economy and passen­ger traffic growing steadily each year, Clarks International Airport (CIA) aims to attract more airlines and businesses to operate from one of the country's three major airports. The airport was originally built with one of the longest runways in Asia. designed to accommodate the landing of a space shuttle. It spans over 3,200 meters. said Peter Herman, CEO, Berthaphil Inc.

Initially established as a military airport. CIA has since expanded its role to serve commercial aviation. Today, it boasts a brand-new terminal with the capacity to handle 60 million passengers annually. though it currently services just 2 million. Passenger numbers are expected to rise signifi­cantly with the upcoming launch of a new rail link, which will reduce travel time to approximately 45 minutes and connect directly to the seaport.

Despite its commercial operations, the airport still functions as a military base for both the U.S. and Philippines. hosting American-made F-16 fighter jets. Herman highlights that this dual role as a secured military facility adds an extra layer of security for commercial operators.

While the airport remains a hub for military aircraft, recent years have seen it expand into logis­tics, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and other infrastructure-related operations. Its strategic location - just a few hours from key markets like Singapore. Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, and China - makes it an ideal base for businesses looking to establish a regional hub.

The commercial aviation market in the Philip­pines is also witnessing consistent growth. driven by rising domestic and international demand. As a key player in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is positioned to become a crucial hub for regional air traffic. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines dominate the domes­tic scene, fuelled by a burgeoning middle class and a flourishing tourism industry. Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country's flagship carrier, focusses on premium services and long-haul flights. The government has responded to this growth by investing in airport infrastructure, including new terminals and upgrades to regional airports.

In parallel, the Maintenance, Repair, and Over­haul (MRO) sector is gaining momentum, with airlines seeking cost-effective fleet management solutions. Established MRO providers, such as Lufthansa Technik Philippines, offer world-class services, cementing the country's position as a regional MRO hub. Herman is optimistic that the growing commercial fleet and anticipated aircraft deliveries will continue to drive demand for increased MRO capacity.

Additionally, the Philippines benefits from a skilled and productive workforce. offering cost-effective labour that is highly trained in aviation. According to Herman, this presents a significant advantage for the industry, as aviation specialists can be employed at a fraction of the cost seen in other countries. As a freeport and Special Economic Zone, companies that set up operations at CIA are also entitled to incentives. such as a seven-year tax holiday and a 5% income tax rate thereafter.

Herman envisions CIA becoming the avia­tion capital of the Philippines, providing a single location where businesses can access logistics, passenger services, OEMs, and a full supply chain to support the aviation ecosystem - similar to the hubs found in Singapore and Japan.

Credits to: showdailys.com