Canada targeted for aviation investments

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking to attract from the Canadian aviation industry as it embarks on a business mission to Toronto on April 25.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque told reporters on Friday that the particular aviation segments being targeted are “maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). There are already MROs here, but we want to strengthen them.”

She said that attracting more MRO investment will help address the growing demand for such services as air traffic expands.

“Even Cebu Pacific and AirAsia told me that they are expanding their MROs so they will now repair planes from other airlines,” she said.

“We want to encourage more airline companies to establish MRO (facilities) here,” she added.

The Manila International Airport Authority reported that 114,793 international flights arrived at and departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in 2024, up 11.6%.

The Manila gateway also served 178,640 domestic flights last year, up 6.3%.

She said the demand for pilots is also growing.

The DTI is also set to inaugurate a small and medium enterprise hub in Toronto to display Philippine products that are compliant with Canadian rules and ready for export. — Justine Irish D. Tabile