Avion Express Philippines, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, is set to launch its Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services in the country. The announcement was made at an industry event on February 20 at Nara Hall, Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The event, led by Avia Solutions Group Chairman Gediminas Ziemelis, was attended by executives from major Philippine carriers, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine AirAsia. Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) were also present.
Avion Express Philippines aims to address fluctuating aircraft capacity needs in the country, particularly during peak travel periods. Data shows that Philippine tourism revenue in 2024 surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 26.75%, with tourist arrivals increasing by 9.15% from the previous year. However, airlines face challenges due to a backlog of more than 17,000 aircraft globally, limiting their ability to meet growing demand.
“With the planned expansion of Manila Airport and tourism receipts surpassing pre-pandemic levels last year, there is a clear need for ACMI to address the capacity gaps and service challenges within the local aviation sector,” Ziemelis said. “This flexible model helps airlines increase capacity during high-demand seasons, improve profitability by 2-3%, and navigate market fluctuations. Avion Express Philippines will play an important role in providing airlines with seasonal and flexible capacity to meet the country’s booming aviation market.”
Rene Banzon, CEO of Avion Express Philippines, said the introduction of ACMI services represents a significant development for the industry. “We believe that this service will empower airlines to optimize operations, explore new routes, and ultimately provide better travel experiences for passengers. We look forward to officially launching our operations this year and contributing to the industry’s continued growth.”
Among the attendees were Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Junard J. Cruz, a consultant for the Department of Transportation, Deputy Executive Director Maria Elben SL. Moro of the CAB, and Atty. Mark Nester Mendoza from CAAP.
Ahead of its official launch, Avion Express Philippines is finalising regulatory requirements for its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) in coordination with CAAP and CAB. The company also inaugurated its corporate headquarters in Bonifacio Global City on the same day as the event, with the opening attended by Ziemelis, Avion Express Philippines Chairman Martynas Grigas, Banzon, and Fernando Bernardo Beluan, CEO of Avia Solutions Group Global Services Philippines.
Avion Express Philippines will be based at Clark International Airport and focus on ACMI leasing and air charter flights, serving customers across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
