The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) has named seasoned airline executive Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle as its new executive director, in line with broader efforts by the country’s major airlines to deepen industry cooperation.

In a statement, the country’s leading group of local carriers said Perez de Tagle was appointed to lead ACAP into a new era following its 10-year milestone.

Members of the group include flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and low-cost unit PAL Express, Cebu Pacific and regional arm Cebgo, and AirAsia Philippines.

Perez de Tagle is a 40-year veteran of the airline industry, who most recently served as PAL’s vice president for corporate affairs until May of last year.

Under his leadership, ACAP seeks to promote a “safe, reliable, efficient, and world-class local aviation industry.”

“Our ACAP member airlines are focused on the future and determined to play a collaborative role in tackling industry challenges on various fronts, from aviation infrastructure and sensible regulations to sustainability and above all safety,” said Perez de Tagle.

“Working with other stakeholders, we can help build an industry that fosters safer skies, easier travel and a greener planet for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos,” he added.

ACAP earlier elected Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao as its new vice chairman.

The group also appointed PAL executive vice president and chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez as its new chairman.

The newly named officials will serve a two-year term at the helm of ACAP.

Fernandez said that while local airlines will always compete with one another, they are committed to working as productive partners with the government and other carriers to promote a robust air transport system.

“The Philippines’ air carriers have prevailed over major upheavals to emerge as a thriving and progressive industry that delivers safe flights, reliable services and vital connectivity to power tourism, trade and the local economy,” he said.

ACAP recalled that the airlines’ camaraderie was already put to the test last month following the mandatory software update on Airbus A320-family aircraft that disrupted several flights.

The airlines were swift to share urgent safety information and made data loading equipment available to each other to expedite the entire update process.

“Their efforts helped to reduce aircraft grounding times, minimize inconvenience to passengers and uphold the safety of airline operations,” said ACAP.

Last year, the five member airlines carried more than 44.6 million passengers using a combined fleet of 194 aircraft.