Market Intelligence: South East Asia

Philippines-based Flight School Airworks Aviation Hosts Industry Leaders for Cebu Aviation Summit 2025

Philippines — Airworks Aviation Company successfully hosted the Cebu Aviation Summit 2025 drawing an impressive turnout from airline leaders, government leaders and students. The event, held in Cebu—one of Southeast Asia’s emerging aviation training hubs—highlighted the essential role of collaboration between education and industry in shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.

  • Key highlights and speakers included:

    • Governor Pamela Baricuatro, formerly a senior purser at Cathay Pacific, shared her journey from aviation service to public leadership.

    • Capt. Noel Pablo of Cebu Pacific Air presented details on the airline’s Cadet Pilot Program and Skycamp Program, opening career pathways for aspiring pilots.

    • Julius Neri Jr., GM of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), outlined upcoming infrastructure investments designed to sustain Cebu’s leadership in aviation and training.

    • Rico Ugdoracion, GM of Aviation Partnership Philippines, shared an inspiring rise from hangar mechanic to MRO executive.

    • Major Raymond Ralph Gamboa of the Philippine Air Force recounted his journey to becoming squadron commander after training at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

  • The summit was supported by Textron Aviation and JS Union Oils & Trading, emphasizing corporate backing for aviation training development in the region.

  • The event affirmed Cebu’s role as a strategic hub for flight training, maintenance, and aviation education, reflecting a unified commitment to developing the Philippines’ aviation workforce.

Source: Vincent Charles Ong (Airworks Aviation)

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Airworks Aviation Academy Hosts Cebu Aviation Summit 2025 to Highlight Pilot Training in the Philippines

Philippines – The Cebu Aviation Summit 2025, organised by Airworks Aviation Academy, is set to take place later this month as it returns for its third edition. The summit continues to position Cebu as the aviation education hub of the Philippines, offering an important platform for collaboration, workforce development, and future growth in the region’s aviation sector.

  • Scheduled for September 19, 2025 at City Sports Club Cebu, the summit brings together a broad cross-section of the aviation industry—from students and aspiring professionals to regulators, training providers, and operators.

  • The event showcases career pathways across civil and military aviation, including roles such as airline pilot, air force pilot, cabin crew, aircraft mechanic, engineer, and airport operations staff.

  • The 2025 speaker lineup features key figures from across the public and private sector:

    • Capt. Noel Pablo – Assistant Chief Pilot Compliance, Cebu Pacific Air

    • Maj. Raymond Ralph Gamboa, PAF – Squadron Commander, 223rd Airlift, Philippine Air Force

    • Mr. Rico Ugdoracion – General Manager, APLUS Aviation

    • Gov. Pamela Baricuatro – Governor, Province of Cebu

    • Mr. Steven Virata – Executive Director, Philippine Association of Aviation Colleges and Institutions

    • Mr. Eugene Vallez – Field Support Representative, Textron Aviation

    • Mr. Julius Neri – General Manager, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA)

  • Cebu’s role as a strategic aviation centre will be highlighted, backed by its award-winning international airport, active flight schools, strong MRO presence, and local government support.

About Airworks Aviation Academy
Airworks Aviation Academy, based at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is one of the Philippines’ longest-operating flight training institutions. It is CAAP-approved and delivers both modular and integrated cadet pilot training programs to domestic and international students.

Source: Airworks Aviation Academy

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Spartan Education Group’s Illinois Aviation Academy Receives Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Approval in 2025

Illinois, USA – Aviation education provider Spartan Education Group, which owns several pilot and aircraft maintenance training institutions across the US, flight training organisation Illinois Aviation Academy has received official approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to train Vietnamese pilots under internationally recognized standards.

  • With CAAV approval, IAA can now welcome Vietnamese students into programs aligned with both FAA and CAAV requirements. Graduates complete training in the U.S. before converting their licenses and qualifications for use in Vietnam.

  • Training at IAA provides exposure to complex U.S. airspace, varied weather conditions, and advanced facilities, preparing cadets for international airline operations.

  • IAA operates from DuPage County Airport (KDPA) near Chicago with a 30,000-square-foot training facility, a fleet of over 30 aircraft, and a simulator-equipped satellite base at DeKalb Airport.

  • The school has over 30 years of experience, offering programs from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor, with additional advanced ratings and ground school.

  • IAA joins a select group of U.S. academies authorized to train for the Vietnamese market, reflecting both its credibility and the rising importance of international training cooperation.

Statements

  • “From the first day of training, we provide students with personalized support from experienced instructors. They gain experience flying in a wide range of weather conditions and navigate complex airspace from well-equipped airports,” said Robert Werderich, Executive Vice President of Illinois Aviation Academy.

In June of 2025 SEG hosted a delegation from Vietnam’s low-cost carrier VietJet at its Illinois Aviation Academy facility to explore collaborative training efforts and regulatory alignment.

  • VietJet representatives visited Illinois Aviation Academy, a flight school acquired by Spartan Education Group in October 2024.

  • The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration on pilot training techniques and ensure alignment with CAAV (Vietnamese Civil Aviation Authority) certification standards.

  • Discussions were held between VietJet officials and the Spartan leadership team on potential future training pathways for Vietnamese cadet pilots.

Source: Spartan

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