Avion Express PH Receives Temporary Operating Permit from Aeronautics Board
Avion Express Philippines, part of the Avia Solutions Group (ASG), has recently received its Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) of the Philippines.
This significant milestone paves the way for the airline to commence its Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) operations from Clark International Airport (CRK), with its first aircraft expected to arrive in November 2025.
The TOP serves as a provisional authorization while the airline works toward obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the CAB, as well as an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Officially launched in February 2025, Avion Express Philippines aims to address the seasonal aircraft capacity challenges within the country through its ACMI service.
According to the CAB, air passenger traffic in the Philippines saw an 11% increase in the first quarter of 2025, largely driven by a rise in domestic travel and improved international connections. This trend aligns with predictions from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which foresees the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, experiencing the fastest growth in passenger demand over the next 20 years.
“Although the region’s aviation industry is recovering significantly post-pandemic, the number of available aircraft has not kept pace with this recovery,” remarked Martynas Grigas, Chairman of Avion Express Philippines.
“With our ACMI model, we offer a comprehensive package that includes not just the aircraft but also the crew, maintenance, and insurance. This allows our client airlines to scale up during peak seasons or replace grounded aircraft without major investments or long-term obligations,” Grigas added.
Moreover, ACMI enables airlines to explore new routes or temporarily expand operations without lengthy commitments. This flexibility becomes especially crucial as tourism is anticipated to contribute one-fifth of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
Avion Express Philippines plans to enhance its fleet, beginning with one A320 this year and expanding to include a second and third aircraft by June 2026, to better assist airlines both locally and regionally.
How do you think the growth of ACMI services will impact the aviation market in the Philippines?
