The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should adopt a “whole nation approach” to prepare the Philippines’ air and sea freight industry as the country expects business to flourish for aviation and engineering.
In an interview during the 25th anniversary of the Ocampo and Manalo Law firm, lawyer Manolito Manalo said more businesses await aviation and engineering companies in the Philippines during the administration of President Marcos.
Manalo stressed the need for a ”whole of nation approach” to prepare the air and sea freight industry for the foreseen growth in business activity, citing the imperative to put up new airports to supplement the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.
Lawyer Carlos Ocampo, for his part, said while it is difficult to specify how much growth awaits the aviation industry, a number of foreign firms and entities continue to express interest.
“We continue to have numerous inquiries from foreign businesses asking how to set up in the Philippines,” he said, adding that at no time during the pandemic, was there a contraction of their business.”
Ocampo added that a resurgence of leisure travel in the country will be among the primary fuel for airlines businesses.
Another counsel, Juan Victor Valdez, noted that the present airport in Manila is limited to a single runway with limited potential to extend it due to developments in the surrounding areas.
Manalo said “the shipments are brought into Manila but end up having to travel the length of Manila” to get to their final destination outside the metropolis.
He added that there is a need for a reworked transport system which would integrate railways, seaports and airports to accommodate the anticipated growth of business activity in the next few years.
The lawyers pointed out that they also see large potential for flight training schools and allied businesses in the country”
“The job creation is fantastic,” Manalo said, adding that Filipino ground crews are presently in demand much like our seamen.
Ocampo said innovations and the efficiency of local arms of international airlines in aircraft maintenance is fast gaining ground.