Startup airline enters Philippines, to start services in Clark

MANILA, Philippines —  An airline that aims to provide fleet support to domestic carriers has secured a temporary permit to operate in the Philippines, allowing it to commence services in Clark starting November.

Startup carrier Avion Express Philippines plans to begin operations at the Clark International Airport by November after receiving a temporary operating permit (TOP) from the government.

The TOP, issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), gives Avion the provisional authority to offer its aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) services in the Philippines.

Avion is obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity from CAB, as well as an air operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. The airline has to secure these approvals to make its operations permanent.

Avion chairman Martynas Grigas said he is looking forward to bringing the ACMI model to the country. Avion sees an opportunity for leasing not just of aircraft, but crew, maintenance and insurance as well in Philippine aviation.

In essence, Avion will operate as a lender of aviation assets and services to carriers, giving them the flexibility to test new routes without having to buy aircraft immediately.

This is particularly beneficial for airlines struggling to expand their fleet, as aircraft makers like Airbus are falling behind schedule in delivering orders.

As carriers scramble for aircraft, the Philippines is showing no signs of slowdown in its air travel market, with total passenger volume reaching 32.25 million between January and June.

“The ACMI provides a turnkey solution where we provide not just the aircraft, but also the crew, maintenance and insurance. This allows client airlines to scale operations during peak periods or cover grounded aircraft without significant investment or long-term commitment,” Grigas said.

Avion is scheduled to mount operations from Clark by November, when it lands the first of three Airbus A320s for the Philippines. The airline is set to receive two more A320s in 2026.

Avion is a subsidiary of Lithuanian-owned Avia Solutions Group, one of the largest providers of ACMI services globally, operating 209 aircraft for passenger and cargo flights worldwide.

Avia also offers other aviation services, such as aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as training for pilots and crew.