The country’s aviation sector can attain global standards with the appointment of Jaime Bautista, former Philippine Airlines (PAL) president, as Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary, the Clark International Airport Corp. declared in its statement issued Monday, July 4.
"Bautista’s expertise with a proven track record of landmark accomplishments of 25 years at PAL will steer the transport sector, specifically the aviation industry, toward full recovery and its eventual modernization to world-class standards," according to CIAC.
The DOTr is the agency which exercises policy and operational supervision over the CIAC.
CIAC is the state firm tasked to develop the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, home to the privately-run Clark International Airport, as well as the mixed-use business district, Clark Global City, plus several locators in cargo and aviation-related businesses.
CIAC looks forward to working under Bautista’s leadership to develop Clark as a premiere aerotropolis and hub for aviation and international logistics in the Asia-Pacific region, the statement noted.
Bautista replaced Secretary Arthur Tugade who "steered DOTr for the past six years with exceptional leadership and unprecedented achievements", the statement added.
Under Tugade, the DOTR completed 250 airport projects, including the Clark International Airport’s new Terminal 2, improved the country’s satellite communications system and introduced the night-rating of airports.