The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country with a vibrant and growing aviation industry. The country has several international airports that accept general aviation (GA) traffic, such as Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao. As a hub for both business and leisure travel, these airports contribute significantly to the nation’s connectivity and economic development. They provide a gateway for diverse aircraft, fostering increased collaboration and exchange within the global aviation community. The Philippines boasts five prominent international airports, including:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA: MNL, ICAO: RPLL)
- Mactan–Cebu International Airport (IATA: CEB, ICAO: RPVM)
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport (IATA: DVO, ICAO: RPMD)
- Iloilo International Airport (IATA: ILO, ICAO: RPVI)
- Kalibo International Airport (IATA: KLO, ICAO: RPVK)
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the top two airports in the Philippines by passenger traffic in 2022 were Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB). These airports also serve as major hubs for business aviation flight operations in the country.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
MNL has four terminals, each with different capacities and facilities for business aviation. Terminal 1 is the oldest and smallest terminal, with a capacity of 6 million passengers per year. It has 18 gates, 11 jet bridges, and 84 check-in counters. It also has a VIP lounge, a business center, and a medical clinic. Terminal 2 is exclusively used by Philippine Airlines, the flag carrier of the Philippines. It has a capacity of 9 million passengers per year. It has 20 gates, 12 jet bridges, and 140 check-in counters. It also has a Mabuhay Lounge, a business center, and a medical clinic. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, with a capacity of 20 million passengers per year. It has 38 gates, 20 jet bridges, and 160 check-in counters. It also has several VIP lounges, a business center, and a medical clinic. Terminal 4 is the domestic terminal, with a capacity of 2.5 million passengers per year. It has 26 gates, no jet bridges, and 34 check-in counters. It also has a VIP lounge and a medical clinic.
Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB)
CEB has two terminals, both designed with a tropical theme. Terminal 1 is the older terminal, with a capacity of 4.5 million passengers per year. It has 13 gates, 7 jet bridges, and 44 check-in counters. It also has a VIP lounge, a business center, and a medical clinic. Terminal 2 is the newer terminal, with a capacity of 12.5 million passengers per year. It has 25 gates, 12 jet bridges, and 48 check-in counters. It also has several VIP lounges, a business center, and a medical clinic.
Requirements for Philippines Overflight & Landing Permit
Overflight and Landing permits are crucial, mandatory for private non-revenue and charter flights. Seven business days’ lead time is recommended. Exceptions may be considered for air ambulance operations and some overflight permits on short notice. A local business contact is required for permit requests, except for tech stops. Documentation for private non-revenue permits includes certificates of airworthiness, pilot licenses, and medical certificates. A color image of the aircraft and a letter of certification are also needed. Charter permits require the same documents plus the Air Operator’s Certificate and worldwide insurance documentation. Permits are generally valid for 72 hours, with revisions taking one to three days. Compliance with these requirements is essential for smooth business aviation operations in the Philippines.
Necessary Documents to Gain Permits
To obtain a Philippines overflight permit, you must provide the following details:
- Complete flight schedule
- Entry/exit points and routing information
- Passenger details (for passenger flights)
The required aircraft documents for obtaining a Philippines overflight permit include:
- Air Operating Certificate
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Insurance Certificate
- Noise Certificate
- Registration Certificate
The Philippines Civil Aviation Authority operates from 0100Z to 0800Z on weekdays, excluding weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Slot Coordination for Philippines International Operations
According to the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines, an airport slot is a permission given by a coordinator for a planned operation to use the full range of airport infrastructure necessary to arrive or depart at a coordinated airport on a specific date and time. There are three levels of airport coordination:
- Level 1: Non-coordinated airports, where there is no need for a slot allocation system
- Level 2: Schedules facilitated airports, where there is potential for congestion at some periods of the day, week, or season, and where a schedules facilitator is appointed to facilitate the planned operations of airlines
- Level 3: Coordinated airports, where there is a demand for airport infrastructure that exceeds the airport’s capacity, and where a coordinator is appointed to allocate slots to airlines and other aircraft operators
In the Philippines, there are two international airports that are classified as Level 3: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB). These airports require slots for all scheduled and non-scheduled flights, and the slot requests must be submitted to the coordinator at least 72 hours before the planned operation. The coordinator for both airports is the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Ground Handling for International Philippines Operations
There are comprehensive maintenance and support services at Manila (RPLL), Cebu (RPVM), and Clark (RPLC) airports. In these facilities, certified engineers and technicians offer line maintenance, AOG support, and technical assistance for a diverse range of aircraft. Additionally, the airports provide ground power units (GPUs) with various power options, including diesel, electric, and hybrid, tailored to aircraft specifications. These airports offer crucial ground services, including lavatory services utilizing vacuum trucks and carts for waste disposal and water replenishment. They also provide fuel services with trucks and hydrant carts delivering Jet A-1, Avgas, and biofuel, adhering to strict safety and quality standards in fuel handling and storage.
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