BOI promotes PH aerospace, SAF strengths at Singapore Airshow

SINGAPORE — The Board of Investments (BOI) highlighted the Philippines’ dual strength in high-tech aerospace manufacturing and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production at the Singapore Airshow 2026.

The country’s lead investment and industry promotion agency pitched the Philippines as a premier, future-ready hub for the global aviation industry by leveraging its world-class human capital through the Academe-Industry Matching (AIM!) Program.

BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa emphasized that the Philippines has established itself as a competitive location for aerospace manufacturing and services, citing strong capabilities in parts production and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).

“The Philippines hosts Tier 1 and 2 aerospace parts makers supplying critical components, such as flight control actuation systems and aircraft interiors including galleys, inserts, oxygen systems and seats to global giants like Boeing and Airbus. Further, the country’s MRO sector offers a wide range of services including base and line maintenance, fleet management, engine services, and cabin reconfiguration,” said Executive Director Dichosa.

Building on the nation’s expertise in semiconductors and electronics, the government is also eyeing the production of in-flight entertainment systems.

“This would be a strategic addition to the world-class aircraft seat manufacturing currently being done in Batangas,” Executive Director Dichosa added.

With over 140 nations targeting Net Zero by 2050, the BOI is positioning the Philippines as a production powerhouse for SAF to supply the Asia Pacific region. The country boasts over 15 million metric tons of biomass sourced from rice, corn, coconut, and cassava, with abundant feedstock available in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Davao.

To address the global challenge of skilled worker shortages, the BOI is implementing the AIM! Program to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

“For the aerospace industry, we have organized an AS9100 certification training series in collaboration with the Metals Industry Research and Development Council (MIRDC). Currently, the BOI, in coordination with industry partners, is conducting awareness campaigns to junior and senior high school students on the different priority industries of the government. Our activities include campus roadshows and company immersion with partners in several industries,” said Executive Director Dichosa.

“We are likewise considering including the emerging SAF industry in the AIM! Program priorities. Mission findings highlight a critical need for specialized talent, including chemists for advanced feedstock analytics, engineers for refinery operations, and wastewater management experts to handle complex pre-treatment residues. AIM! helps ensure that these specific competencies are built into our local academic roadmap,” she added.

The AIM! Program is a strategic BOI initiative implemented through a multi-sectoral partnership involving the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), MIRDC, development partners, and industry associations.