Market Intelligence: South East Asia

Electric Aircraft Manufacturer Lilium Announces Partnership with PhilJets to Bring eVTOLs to the Philippines

Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet, and PhilJets, a leading aviation provider of global services in the ASEAN region, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Singapore Airshow.  

The agreement includes the intent to purchase 10 Lilium Jets, as well as a future strategic collaboration on the establishment of an eVTOL operation network across the Philippines and other Southeast Asia countries, such as Cambodia. As part of the agreement, Lilium and PhilJets will partner to develop a future service, including the joint definition of routes, city pairs, and passenger demand for an on-demand eVTOL service in the region.

Both companies will also identify potential sites, requirements, and partners for landing infrastructure, including the identification of vertiport partners in the region, sharing vertiport specifications, and access to Lilium’s existing network of charging hardware providers.

The Lilium Jet is purpose built to meet the transportation challenges of the Philippines. As a country with more than 7,500 islands, Lilium’s approach for regional air mobility is a perfect fit for eVTOL service in the Philippines and showcases the broader opportunities for island nations across the globe.

PhilJets currently operates a fleet comprising 15 private jets and helicopters, with plans to expand further in the next three years, and for over a decade has been a mainstay in the Philippines aviation sector. PhilJets currently operates both private and commercial flights, together with a maintenance services affiliate entity supporting over 100 helicopters.

By bringing together PhilJets’ ASEAN market expertise and Lilium’s innovative eVTOL technology, this collaboration is set to redefine regional air mobility across the region. The Philippines and Cambodia are poised for success in aviation decarbonization, with both capital cities currently undergoing development of new major airports in both Bulacan and Phnom Penh.

With the Lilium Jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium and PhilJets are planning to bring high-speed regional air mobility to Southeast Asia.

Thierry Tea, Chairman, PhilJets, said: “Our team is proud to collaborate with Lilium on the mission to transform the Philippine´s mobility with eVTOLs. With its growing economy, geography, and important tourism industry, the Philippines is a great match to the Lilium Jet´s capabilities. Innovation in aviation is gaining traction among regulators, urban planners, and industry leaders of worldwide economies. Providing efficient connectivity to customers while reducing carbon emissions is a major focus for air transport operators such as PhilJets. We are also looking forward to bringing this technology into Cambodia and other countries in the region.”

Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer, Lilium, said: “Our strategic partnership with PhilJets will expand our footprint even further in Asia, bringing the Lilium Jet to Southeast Asia. The Philippines is well suited for eVTOLs to effectively connect thousands of islands together through sustainable and high-speed air mobility. Asia is a key market for Lilium — and with the unique topographical challenges this region presents, the innovative design of the Lilium Jet is uniquely suited to address them.”

The news follows several partnerships between Lilium and other providers across the world, and the commencement of production of the Lilium Jet late last year.

Source: Lilium
Photo Credit: Lilium

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Sustained Demand for all ATR Aircraft Models Confirmed at Singapore Airshow 2024

At the 2024 edition of the Singapore Airshow, regional aircraft manufacturer ATR reaffirmed its position as a global leader in regional aviation through confirmations of orders and fleet placements.

ATR kicked off the show with the introduction of the first brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft in Central Asia, through Uzbek airline Silk Avia, part of the Uzbekistan Airways Group.

The growing demand for ATR’s reliable and versatile turboprops was underlined by the unveiling of two orders which were part of the manufacturer’s undisclosed commitments of 2023. These include an order for two ATR 42-600 from Maldivian and one ATR 72-600 from Air Tahiti.

The unrivalled capabilities of ATR’s aircraft family to connect regions responsibly, affordably and efficiently was further reinforced by the expansion of Cebu Pacific’s fleet, with two leased ATR 72-600.

The manufacturer also confirmed the placement of two leased ATR 72-600 at Fly91, a start-up regional carrier set to connect unserved and underserved routes across India.

This year’s show was marked by renewed confidence from longstanding ATR supporters and trust from new entrants to the market, endorsing the relevance of ATR’s products and services for all business cases and types of regional operations.

“These aircraft will support our airline partners in providing seamless connectivity to their passengers, bridging gaps in air transportation networks, and bringing communities closer than ever before,” said ATR.

Source: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR (shown as meta image)

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FFS Training Center, BAA Training Vietnam, Welcomes New Batch of 16 Indian Pilots in February 2024

On February 21, 2024, BAA Training Vietnam welcomed a group of 16 Indian cadets who will embark on their Initial Type Rating A320 and Renewal training under the India DGCA Program, with the majority of these cadets coming from TNC Aviation.

Earlier in January 2024 TNC Aviation and BAA Training Vietnam celebrated their anniversary having trained 160 pilots over 20 batches.

Source: Steven Huang (BAA Training Vietnam)
Photo Credit: Steven Huang

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Philippines Based Pilot Training Organization Alpha Aviation Group Signs Partnership with Consulting Firm

Consulting firm Alpha Real-Consulting Philippines, Inc. (ARC) has officially signed a strategic partnership with Alpha Aviation Group Philippines during the Singapore Air Show 2024.

The collaboration, sealed with a formal agreement signed by Col. Ruel Rombaoa, Managing Director of ARC, and Capt. Vic Casibang II, Accountable Manager of AAG Philippines, aims to usher in groundbreaking solutions for a more sustainable future in the country’s aerospace sector.

“We are honored to support the strategic objectives of AAG, the Philippines’ premier aviation training and maintenance solutions provider,” expressed Col. Rombaoa, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding this collaborative endeavor.

Capt. Vic Casibang II, echoing the sentiment, emphasized the power of collaboration among industry stakeholders. “We believe in the power of collaboration among industry stakeholders. This gives us confidence that we shall be able to propel the local aerospace industry up the regional and global value chains,” stated Cristopher Magdangal, Group COO of AAG.

Source: Alpha Real-Consulting Philippines
Photo Credit: Alpha Real-Consulting Philippines

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Philippines-based Alpha Aviation Group Welcomes 8 New Pilots to Flight Instructor Course

Clark, Philippines – Eight (8) pilots were inducted to the AAG’s Flight Instructor Course (FIC) on February 7 February 2024. Notably, six of these individuals joining this intake are alumni of AAG’s Airline Pilot Program (APP), while one recently completed the First Officer Transition (FOT) Program in January.

In his welcome remarks, Capt. Gimby Cervania (AAG International Center for Aviation Training [AICAT] Head of Training) assured them of AAG’s comprehensive and top-of-class training, aligning closely with the esteemed standards upheld by the institution. Drawing from his extensive experience in the aviation industry, he also shared insights and words of encouragement with the trainees.

Capt. Gaudencio Maniano (AICAT Accountable Manager) extended his gratitude to the trainees for joining the program. “Besides teaching, your role is to inspire and empower the future generation of aviation leaders, fostering the enthusiasm and commitment crucial for success in the aviation industry,” Capt. Maniano shares.

This marks not only the beginning of a new chapter for the trainees but also the commencement of a transformative journey towards becoming aviation leaders. As they set forth, they carry with them the aspirations of becoming not just pilots but also mentors, leaders, and innovators in the aviation industry.

Alpha Aviation Group operates both flight training bases and full flight simulator training centers.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group

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Chinese and Indonesian Aviation Conglomerates to Collaborate on Aviation Training in 2024

China based Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group Co., Ltd (HNCA) and Indonesia’s CARDIG INTERNATIONAL GROUP (CARDIG) successfully held a signing ceremony at the Singapore Airshow 2024, where both sides officially signed a memorandum of cooperation, marking that the two sides will carry out a full range of strategic cooperation in a number of areas, including aviation training, aviation supports, passenger and cargo routes, and the construction of overseas airports.

As per the signed MOU, HNCA and CARDIG will collaborate to advance the training of aviation personnel and improve their skills and service quality in both regions. Additionally, they aim to jointly establish new international passenger and cargo routes and strengthen the regional aviation network to meet the growing demand for economic and trade exchanges.

Furthermore, both sides will actively explore opportunities for cooperation in the construction and operation management of overseas airports, and promote the construction of airport facilities in countries and regions along the route through advanced operational concepts and technological means. HNCA and CARDIG will take the cooperation of aviation training as the starting point, provide high-quality aviation services for the growing economic and trade exchanges between Henan and RCEP countries, and promote deep integration of the aviation industry between the two regions.

Source: U-Wing Simulation
Photo Credit: U-Wing Simulation

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Indonesian Simulator Training Center JATC and Flight Simulator Manufacturer Sign Strategic Partnership to Expand Training Capabilities

In response to the increasing demand for simulator training in Indonesia, PT JATC, a well-established operator in the field, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with U–Wing Simulation. This collaboration, solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during the Singapore Airshow 2024, aims to combine the strengths and resources of both companies to enhance training delivery capabilities in Jakarta.

Central to this venture is the introduction of an A320 Neo Standard V2.1 into a state-of-the-art 4-bay training facility, strategically located to serve the needs of aspiring pilots in Indonesia and beyond. With a focus on meeting the growing demand for pilot training across Southeast Asia and India, this partnership aligns with the robust pipeline of A320 orders in the region, as indicated by Airbus.

According to Boeing Asia Pacific excluding China, the demand for over 120,000 pilots within the next two decades presents a significant opportunity for growth, particularly in Southeast Asia and India. By leveraging U–Wing’s technological expertise, the joint venture aims to offer realistic and convenient training solutions tailored to the evolving needs of customers.

U–Wing Simulation, founded in 2016, has emerged as a leader in aviation simulation technology, specializing in the development and production of Flight Training Devices (FTD) that meet stringent certification standards including CCAR-60 level 5, FAA FTD level 5, and EASA FNPT II. This collaboration with PT JATC underscores U–Wing’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to the global aviation community.

Established in 2010, Jakarta Aviation Training Centre (JATC) is an independent Approved Training Organization (ATO) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Dedicated to providing high-quality training services to professional pilots, JATC plays a pivotal role in supplying qualified pilots to airlines and advancing the standards of aviation training.

Together, PT JATC and U–Wing Simulation are poised to revolutionize the aviation training landscape in Indonesia and beyond, offering innovative solutions to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry.

“JATC welcomes the investment by U–Wing in Indonesia. Indonesia is a growing aviation market and JATC has always believed in being on the forefront on investing to provide a differentiated experience to pilots over the past 15 years.”  said Agus Gunawan, CEO of JATC

Mr Xie, CEO U–wing Simulation added “We are honoured to collaborate with esteemed partners such as JATC, who share U–Wing’s commitment to pioneering technology in pilot training. Together, we are confident in our ability to deliver an exceptional training experience to pilots across South-East Asia and South Asia.”

Source: U-Wing Simulation
Photo Credit: U-Wing Simulation

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