Two ATOs Join Forces in Philippines

Two Airline Training Organizations (ATOs) in the Philippines – Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) and First Aviation Academy (FAA) –  inked a partnership agreement for the First Officer Transition (FOT) program. The full Airbus A320 Type Rating program with Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) and Jet Orientation Training (JOT) is designed to equip CPL-IR license holders with all the required elements to qualify for a rating on an Airbus A320. The program is pioneered by AAG and is part of the organization’s flagship programmes.

“This MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) is very timely especially now that we all anticipate the industry’s recovery. I am certain that this initiative will play a key role in enhancing and strengthening the aviation training in the country,” said Capt. Vicente Casibang, AAG’s Accountable Manager and the partnership signatory for AAG.

FAA also expressed its appreciation and excitement on the partnership. In his remarks, FAA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)- MGen. Restituto Padilla Jr. AFP (Ret) said: “I look forward to seeing more of these collaborations, partnerships, and alliances happening within the industry in the years to come. This is a golden opportunity to take part in the recovery of the aviation industry. Our team is excited to work hand-in-hand with the AAG team in producing the kind of pilots the industry needs during these exciting times. God willing, there will be more of these in the near future, as we move onward the path towards recovery, and as we help our pilot trainees fulfill their passion and dreams. Maraming salamat sa pagkakataon, and cheers to this partnership!”

Representing FAA were FAA’s Chief Operating Officer MGen. Restituto Padilla Jr. AFP (Ret); Capt. Jesus D. Madlangbayan, Accountable Manager and the signatory on behalf of FAA; and Raoul S. Perez, Consultant- PTC Holdings, Inc, who led the drafting and the finalization of the MOA.

The ceremonial MOA signing was concluded by AAG’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Cristopher Magdangal.

In his closing speech, he thanked FAA for their confidence and trust in AAG and conveyed his optimism on the partnership between AAG and FAA: “This is a very welcome development as we all move towards the recovery of the industry. As training institutions, we play an important role in triggering growth, not just on the aspect of pilot training, but in all facets of the industry. Since I started working in the aviation industry, consolidation has been one of my advocacies. And that could only happen if there is trust among organizations. So, to our partners in FAA, thank you for the trust. I am optimistic that this is just the beginning of the many more opportunities we can explore together. So, with the best that we can, let’s work together – for our organizations, for our trainees, for the bigger community, and the entire aviation industry.”