Philippines-based aviation services group PhilJets has once again become a member of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA). It joined the AsBAA Philippines Chapter during the Singapore Airshow 2024, on the occasion of the launch of the Philippine Pavillon by the Minister of Transportation Jaime Bautista.

Founder Thierry Tea says: "It is the best time to rejoin AsBAA and to collaboratively contribute to the development and improvement of the business aviation community in Asia."

AsBAA vice chairman Max Motschmann adds: "We in AsBAA are happy to announce that PhilJets has rejoined AsBAA. As a well-known operator in the Philippines, PhilJets will add its resources and know-how to the growth of the AsBAA Chapter in the Philippines as well as to AsBAA as a whole."

PhilJets joined the Philippines Pavillon together with the Civil Aviation of the Philippines, Bertaphil, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, ACTSI, the Department of Transportation of the Philippines, the European Chamber of Commerce and Clark Development Corporation.

AsBAA provides a platform for communication and action relating to key issues such as: airport access, regulation and policy, safety, professional development and training, public awareness and the industry's contribution to the economy.

PhilJets had been an early member back in 2015, but had left by 2017. At the time of PhilJets' initial membership, the company primarily operated a fleet of four helicopters. Over seven years, its fleet, number of employees and its revenues surged more than threefold, and the fleet was close to reaching 20 aircraft prior to COVID. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, which saw it temporarily reduce its fleet to 10 aircraft, PhilJets has rebounded with a robust fleet of 15 aircraft.

AsBAA is contributing to advancing policies and elevating standards within the business aviation sector in Asia with joint efforts focused on advocating for heightened safety measures and robust regulations to ensure a secure operating environment. Additionally, it is committed to assisting emerging aviation markets in Asia, contributing to their development and sustainability within the evolving industry landscape.

The Asia Pacific business aviation community is now anticipating eVTOLs and several other innovations that should contribute to reduce carbon emissions. This comes as the industry navigates a challenging economic cycle marked by inflation, rising aerospace costs, logistical delays impacting deliveries and a scarcity of liquidity. Despite this, the business aviation community in Asia remains resilient, with sustained growth evident across the region.