'State-of-the-art' aviation school to rise in Clark Airport
The Clark International Aviation Campus, envisioned as a modern aviation school with state-of-the-art facilities, is set to rise within the Clark Aviation Capital (CAC), potentially contributing up to 13 million jobs by 2038.
In a statement on Monday, June 16, the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) to develop the project.
“With this strategic partnership, we’re looking at the further advancement of our country’s aviation education, infrastructure, and innovation,” said CIAC President Jojit Alcazar.
Alcazar said the aviation campus is the state-run firm’s response to the urgent needs of the country’s civil aviation, which has long sought much-needed reforms.
The project is expected to introduce comprehensive pilot training programs, as well as skills training in components and assembly manufacturing, production engineering, procurement, and distribution, he said.
“Our aim is to produce globally-qualified and high-performing personnel that will meet the strong global demand for aviation-industry workers and professionals,” Alcazar said.
PhilSCA President Marwin Dela Cruz stated that the aviation campus is projected to generate around 13 million direct jobs in the industry by 2038.
During the period, he said the project will bring in approximately ₱1.7 trillion to the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP).
Under the tripartite agreement, PhilSCA will provide training and advanced technological studies in aviation.
Meanwhile, CAAP will impart technical support and assistance, as well as to oversee the improvement of regulations and frameworks essential for the project's successful implementation.
According to CIAC, its partnership with PhilSCA and CAAP also covers research and development projects, technology transfer and support, capacity-building, technical staff training, and student internship.
Situated inside the CAC—the prime government land surrounding Clark International Airport—the Clark International Aviation Campus is poised to bring hands-on experience and direct immersion in real-world aviation for Filipinos looking to join the aviation sector.
The project is part of CIAC’s Seven Flagship Projects to transform CAC into the country’s premier global civil aviation logistics hub.
Last week, it announced that it is partnering with a South Korean firm to develop the Dolores River Park and the Clark Aviation Park.
Both projects are under CIAC’s urban renewal and heritage conservation program, which is part of its flagship projects.