Avion Express Philippines, a subsidiary of the world’s largest ACMI supplier, Avia Solutions Group, is ready to introduce its ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) to the Philippines. The announcement was made during a high-profile industry event held on February 20, 2025 in Nara Hall, Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The event, led by Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman of Avia Solutions Group, brought together top executives of major Philippine carriers, including Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) and Philippine Airasia. Government officials of key agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Department of Transport (DoTR), also highlighted the strategic importance of this development.
The new ACMI supplier is designed to meet the Philippines’ seasonal aircraft capacity. 2024 Tourism revenue in the Philippines rose the previous pandemic levels, which exceeded the estimated P600.01 billion in 2019 by 26.75%, with tourist arrivals registering 9.15% higher than 2023. However, this growth is tempered by significant challenges. The global supply chain crisis has led to a backlog of more than 17,000 new aircraft, creating the airlines to meet growing demand and maximizing the possible income.
Avia Solutions Group chairman Gediminas Ziemelis said: ‘With the planned expansion of Manila Airport and Tourism Receipts that exceeded pre-pandemic levels last year, there is a clear need for ACMI to the capacity gaps and service challenges within the to cope with local aviation sector. This flexible model helps airlines to increase capacity during high demand, improve profitability by 2-3%and navigate the market fluctuations. Avion Express Philippines will play an important role in providing airlines with seasonal and flexible capacity to meet the country’s emerging aviation market. “
“The launch of ACMI services in the Philippines is an exciting chapter for the aviation industry,” says Rene Banzon, CEO of Avion Express Philippines. “We believe that this service will empower airlines to optimize operations, explore new routes and eventually provide better travel experiences for passengers. We look forward to officially starting our operations this year and contributing to the continued growth of the industry. “
The event was attended by key figures in the public and private sectors, including Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano; Mr. Junard J Cruz, consultant for Philippines’ Department of Transport. Deputy Executive Director Maria Elben Sl. Moro of Cab; ATTY. Mark Nester Mendoza van Caap and various leaders in the aviation industry.
In preparation for its official launch, Avion Express Philippines works with the CAAP and CAP on the final regulatory requirements for its Air Operator Certification (AOC) and Certificate of Public comfort and necessity (CPCN). The company officially attended its corporate headquarters on the same day of the event in the luxury Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, Metro Manila, by Ziemelis, Martynas Grigas, chairman of Avion Express Philippines, and Banzon. Fernando Bernardo Beluan, CEO of Avia Solutions Group Global Services Philippines, also joined the official opening.
