Market Intelligence: South East Asia

Philippines Based Pilot Training Organization AAG Welcomes 12 New Cadets to Airline Pilot Program in March 2024

The Philippines largest pilot training organisation Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) shared that twelve (12) new cadets were inducted to AAG’s Airline Pilot Program (APP) on 20 March 2024. This is the program’s 2nd intake for this year and the 74th since the program was introduced in 2011. Two (2) cadets enrolled in the First Officer Preparation (FOP) Program and two (2) cadets enrolled in the Private Pilot License (PPL) Program are also joining the batch.

“Entering AAG serves as your gateway to grow and reach new heights in aviation. We’re putting forth our utmost effort to ensure the best training possible for you to excel in your career,” states Capt. Vicente Casibang II (AAG Philippines Accountable Manager) in his welcome remarks.

With a determined spirit, the cadets introduced themselves and shared their goals and areas of interest. One cadet shared that he’s balancing work and school, working hard to save diligently to enroll in a flight school. Similarly, another cadet echoed her aspirations of returning to her hometown as a pilot after the training. These stories reflect a collective dedication among the new cadets, fueling their passion to achieve their dreams.

Cristopher Magdangal (AAG Group COO) also graced the ceremony to extend his greetings to the new cadets and their supportive families. “At AAG, we offer more than just the training necessary to become a pilot. We are here to support your career growth and success in the aviation industry,” he shares.

Capt. Gaudencio Maniano (AICAT Accountable Manager) wrapped up the ceremony by highlighting AAG’s joint effort in supporting the dreams of the cadets. “I can assure that you have made the right decision, because I am confident that you’re in good hands at AAG,” he shared.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group

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Southeast Airline Plans to Invest $450 Million Into Capex for Fleet Expansion

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is gearing up for significant expansion in 2024, with plans to allocate a hefty $450 million, or over P25 billion, for capital expenditures (capex). This substantial investment is aimed at fleet expansion and meeting the rising demand in the market, as revealed by Anna Isabel V. Bengzon, PAL’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.

The capex includes various initiatives such as refurbishing the A321CEOs, aircraft maintenance and upgrades, and the acquisition of new aircraft. PAL’s capex for 2024 surpasses that of the previous year, which was below $170 million, indicating the company’s robust growth trajectory.

Funding for the 2024 spending will be sourced from internally generated funds and debt.

PAL intends to purchase 22 aircraft to bolster its fleet between 2025 and 2029, with plans for nine A350-1000s and 13 A321 New Engine Options (NEOs), enabling nonstop flights to North America, other international destinations, and regional routes in Asia and Australia.

In line with its expansion strategy, PAL is set to inaugurate nonstop Manila-Seattle flights thrice a week commencing October 2. Seattle will become PAL’s sixth destination in the US and eighth in North America, enhancing its extensive network.

PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Stanley K. Ng expressed the airline’s anticipation for the Seattle route, noting the significant influx of US tourists to the Philippines in recent years, “We have been looking into Seattle for a long time already, even before the pandemic. It is always on our radar,” said Ng.

Despite focusing on promising markets like Seattle, PAL remains committed to exploring additional Asian and local destinations. The company is eyeing the revival of previous routes, including Cebu-Osaka flights and operations to Sapporo in Japan, alongside aspirations to resume European flights.

PAL’s ambitious expansion plans are underpinned by its robust financial performance in 2023, where PAL Holdings, Inc. witnessed a notable increase in attributable net income to P16.81 billion. Passenger revenue surged by 37%, reaching P160 billion, driven by heightened passenger volume and route expansions.

Looking ahead, PAL anticipates continued growth in 2024, although at a more moderate pace compared to the exceptional growth seen in recent years. Ms. Bengzon highlighted an expected capacity increase of 10-12%, signaling a shift towards more sustainable growth trajectories.

Source: Philippine Airlines
Photo Credit: Philippine Airlines (shown as meta image)

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Czech Republic Based F Air Launches Multi-Crew Pilot Licence Training Partnership with Asian Airline

One of Europe’s largest flight training organisations Czech Republic based F Air has announced its partnership with Vietnam’s largest low cost carrier Vietjet Air’s Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam based airline owned aviation academy and full flight simulator training center Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) to offer a Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training program

This program promises a seamless and efficient learning experience tailored for aspiring pilots destined for Vietjet Air. Advantages shared by VJAA include:

  • “Cost Savings: The MPL program offers cost savings compared to traditional Commercial Pilot License (CPL) programs.
  • Optimized Time and Curriculum: Training duration is reduced to 18 months (compared to 24 months for CPL programs). Optimized for Airbus A320 and A320Neo aircraft, predominant in major airlines in Vietnam and Asia.
  • Job Guarantee with Vietjet Air: Vietjet Air guarantees MPL graduates from VJAA employment with attractive income and benefits, ensuring a solid start to their pilot career.”

The duration of the MPL program is communicated as 18 months and will follow:

  • Phase 1. Air Transport Pilot Theory
    Duration: 6 months
    Location: Vietjet Aviation Academy – Vietnam
  • Phase 2. Core Flight Training
    Duration: 4 months
    Location: F Air Flight School – Czech Republic (Europe)
  • Phase 3. Airbus A320 Type Rating Training
    Duration: 5 months
    Location: Vietjet Aviation Academy – Vietnam
  • Phase 4. Line Flying Under Supervision
    Duration: 3 months
    Location: Vietjet Air – Vietnam

Source: F Air and Vietjet Aviation Academy

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Vietnamese Airline Academy Partners with European Flight School to Launch Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) Program

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam based airline owned aviation academy and full flight simulator training center Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) introduces its Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training program in partnership with Czech Republic-based flight training organisation F Air.

This program promises a seamless and efficient learning experience tailored for aspiring pilots destined for Vietjet Air. Advantages shared by VJAA include:

  • “Cost Savings: The MPL program offers cost savings compared to traditional Commercial Pilot License (CPL) programs.
  • Optimized Time and Curriculum: Training duration is reduced to 18 months (compared to 24 months for CPL programs). Optimized for Airbus A320 and A320Neo aircraft, predominant in major airlines in Vietnam and Asia.
  • Job Guarantee with Vietjet Air: Vietjet Air guarantees MPL graduates from VJAA employment with attractive income and benefits, ensuring a solid start to their pilot career.”

The duration of the MPL program is communicated as 18 months.

Source: Vietjet Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Vietjet Aviation Academy

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Southeast Asian Pilot Simulator Training Center BAA Training Vietnam Receives 3rd Full Flight Simulator – B737NG

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam based full flight simulator training center BAA Training Vietnam is pleased to announce the arrival of its 3rd Full Flight Simulator – a Boeing B737 NG.

This marks a significant step forward as BAA Training Vietnam expands its training capabilities from the existing Airbus A320 full flight simulator infrastructure that it has. The FFS B737 NG FFS will commence operations in May 2024, complementing the existing lineup of simulators.

BAA Training Vietnam is a branch of global pilot training group BAA Training, a member of Avia Solutions Group, the largest aerospace business group from Central & Eastern Europe providing aviation services and solutions worldwide.

Source: BAA Training Vietnam
Photo Credit: BAA Training Vietnam

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