INAEC Aviation Corporation (INAEC) recently inaugurated its P45-million second aircraft hangar (Hangar E2) at Lio Airport, El Nido, Palawan.
INAEC has been operating in El Nido since the early 2000s, providing helicopter transport services to oil and gas producers in the country.
In 2013, INAEC built its first hangar in El Nido, the same year it partnered with Shell Philippines Exploration (SPEX) and PHI International (PHI) for the helicopter transport of Malampaya Project personnel from Puerto Princesa to the offshore platform.
INAEC Hangar E2 will serve as the new base for the helicopter operations servicing the Malampaya Project as SPEX moves to transfer said operations from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
“The relocation of the helicopter base from Puerto Princesa to El Nido offers significant benefits to the Malampaya Project," says Atty. Kiril Caral, Managing Director of SPEX.
"Flight time for the transport of Malampaya personnel is reduced. Response time in case of medical evacuation will be faster," he explained.
"And, there is improved access to search and rescue resources. including support from the Joint Task Force Malampaya, the Philippine Air Force, the Coast Guard, and the Philippine Navy. All these mean improved safety, reliability, and efficiency in our operations.”
Construction of the 825-square meter hangar began last April, 2021 and was completed March, 2022.
“The infrastructure in El Nido has far outpaced other airports in the country," noted Brian Currie, PHI’s Base and Contract Manager.
"I expect this move to El Nido will reinvigorate our personnel as we finally emerge from two long years of the pandemic,” he added.
"The new El Nido hangar represents a true milestone for us. It is symbolic of a continuing and evolving partnership to keep the lights on in the Philippines," INAEC President Jay Lopez concluded.