The partnership represents a major shift in regional aviation; while cadet training in the Asia-Pacific has traditionally been centered in countries like Australia, this move positions the Philippines as a competitive hub for international pilot development.

Fueling the Growth of a Regional Giant

This development opens greater opportunities for international collaboration and student mobility, reflecting the growing trust of global regulators in Airworks’ training systems, facilities, and instructional quality.

As the only flight school in the Philippines currently operating an airline-backed cadet program, Airworks is expanding its focus beyond domestic needs to support international carriers. The academy is already an Approved Training Organization (ATO) recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), authorized to conduct Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) programs.

A Regional Aviation Hub

This collaboration aligns with Vietjet’s steady growth and modernization efforts. Currently operating a fleet of over 100 fuel-efficient aircraft, including the Airbus A321neo and the newly integrated Boeing 737-8, Vietjet has established itself as a leading carrier in Vietnam and a major player across Southeast Asia. With over 500 aircraft on order, the airline is focused on developing a strong pipeline of skilled, homegrown talent to support its long-term fleet expansion.

The initiative is backed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA). With additional support from the Provincial Government of Cebu, the program highlights the region’s emergence as a future aviation training hub, driven by infrastructure investment and a pro-business environment.

Beyond flight training, the program is expected to boost the local economy by creating specialized jobs in maintenance and technical services, while increasing demand for housing and local services in Cebu. This MOU is the first step in a broader strategy to establish the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s premier aviation training destination, with Airworks actively pursuing further partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

The partnership was officially formalized by the senior leadership teams of both institutions. Representing Airworks Aviation Academy were Vincent Charles Ong, President; LtCol Demetrio Ferrer PAF (Ret), Head of Training; Ernesto Panadero Jr., Director for Brand and Growth; and Steve Creus, Consultant.

Joining them from Victoria Aviation Academy (Vietjet) were Tran Huu Quoc, Chief Executive Officer; Le Doan Quang, Vice President; Nguyen Khanh Thanh, Director for Safety and Quality Assurance; Le Nhu Vu Tuan, Chief Flight Instructor; and Nguyen Manh Hang, Director for Business Development. Together, these leaders are set to pioneer a new era of aviation excellence in the region.