Aviation Partnership Philippines (Aplus), the country’s largest line maintenance provider, officially inaugurated its new hangar at Clark International Airport on July 1, 2025. The facility represents a major expansion in the company’s service capabilities and growth strategy.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by officials from Cebu Pacific, Aviation Partnership Philippines, and Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation. Key attendees included Cebu Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer Javier Massot, Chief Financial Officer Mark Cezar, and Vice President for Legal Affairs Anne Tieng.
The opening of the Clark hangar also signals the beginning of Aplus’ base maintenance operations—a strategic move that complements its existing line maintenance services. Initially, the new facility will cater the base maintenance for Airbus A320 and A321 (both NEO and CEO variants), as well as the ATR 72-600 fleet.
According to company plans, Aplus will expand to include Airbus A330NEO base maintenance capabilities, particularly to support parent company Cebu Pacific’s operations. This expansion positions Aplus among the Philippines’ full-service Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Growth Outlook
Aplus General Manager Rico Ugdoracion shared that the company envisions even greater growth in the next 5 to 10 years. The company currently operates across nine stations: Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, Caticlan, and Puerto Princesa, with El Nido targeted as the next location.
We’re already the largest line maintenance organization in the country. With Cebu Pacific’s support, we hope to grow even more in base maintenance operations.
Rico Ugdoracion, Aviation Partnership Philippines General Manager
He added that while the base maintenance operations will initially serve Cebu Pacific’s fleet, the facility will eventually open its doors to other airlines as the operation matures and expands.
Industry Support and Recognition
Cebu Pacific Chief Operating Officer Javier Massot expressed strong confidence in the Filipino aviation workforce during the event. He highlighted their reputation within the global aviation community.
Filipinos are young, speak good English, highly skilled, and very professional. This gives Aplus a competitive advantage, as it continues to train and develop these professionals.
Javier Massot, Cebu Pacific Chief Operating Officer
On their part, LIPAD Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Noel Manankil praised the hangar launch and the start of base maintenance operations. He stressed Clark International Airport’s strategic position in the regional aviation market.
Clark International Airport has been touted as the premier aviation hub in the Philippines, serving as home to numerous MRO facilities, business aviation services, and cargo operations. It also hosts major global logistics companies such as FedEx and UPS.
This is a testament to the vision of positioning Clark as a premier aviation hub in the Philippines.
Noel Manankil, Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer
Aviation Partnership Philippines, commonly known as Aplus, leads the line maintenance sector in the Philippines. The company currently supports 37 airline clients, including Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, AirSWIFT, and several international carriers across nine strategic bases nationwide.
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