BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific will break new ground today for a $100-million aircraft maintenance facility that the company is building with a Singaporean firm at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga.
"We are positive that a world-class maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Clark will further enhance the aerospace industry in the Philippines," Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Lance Y. Gokongwei said in a statement yesterday. The airline has partnered with SIA Engineering Corp., part of the Singapore Airlines group, to build the facility. Cebu Pacific will own 35% of the company, while 65% will be held by the Singaporean firm.
Representatives from the Clark International Airport Corp., Cebu Pacific and its foreign partner are expected to attend the ground-breaking and capsule-laying ceremonies today.
"With SIA Engineering Company’s [aircraft maintenance] proficiency, we will certainly develop the local talent pool of aerospace management and engineering personnel," Mr. Gokongwei said.
He added that a heavy maintenance facility in the Philippines would enhance Cebu Pacific’s reliability and engineering quality.
The project involves the construction of three large hangars that will service long-haul commercial aircraft at a 10-hectare property within the airport. The first hangar will service narrow-bodied aircraft like the Airbus 320, while the second and third will service wide-bodied aircraft such like the Boeing 747 and 777.
The facility is expected to generate at least 1,000 jobs during the construction phase. Officials expect it to be completed by the second quarter of next year
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