Aplus Powers Up Philippine MRO with New Clark Maintenance Hangar
A new chapter in Philippine aviation unfolded on July 1, 2025 as Aviation Partnership Philippines (Aplus) took a major step forward in its service capability with the opening of its maintenance hangar at Clark, Gagaban, Pampanga Philippines. Aplus will soon move into base maintenance work, offering airline partners a more comprehensive suite of aircraft maintenance services.
Recognized as the country’s biggest line maintenance provider, Aplus is no stranger to growth. Known for serving 37 airline partners and more expected this year, the company has spent the past two decades keeping aircraft moving, supporting the growing needs of both local and international carriers.
A short facility blessing marked the start of the program launch, led by the key executives, Cebu Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer Mr. Javier Massot and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Mark Cezar, LIPAD President and CEO Mr. Noel Manankil and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Gina Gopez, Aplus’ General Manager Mr. Rico Ugdoracion and Group Director Maintenance Operations Mr. Gary Byrne.
During the program, Aplus General Manager Rico Ugdoracion offered a moment of conviction as he reflected on the ambition behind the project:
“When the famous mountaineer George Mallory was asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. His answer? ‘Because it is there.’ Today, if I’m asked why we are doing this, my answer is just as clear: ‘because the opportunity is there.’
The opportunity to support Cebu Pacific and its growth, to elevate the MRO industry in the Philippines, and to create jobs for Filipinos.”
Rico M. Ugdoracion, Aviation Partnership Philippines’ General Manager
Built in Clark, now a key aviation hub—this facility is more than just new infrastructure. It’s a signal to move in a larger expansion strategy. With three new foreign authority approvals secured earlier this year, Aplus is laying the groundwork to serve more international carriers and take on greater maintenance responsibilities. This hangar is just the starting point.
While Aplus General Manager Rico Ugdoracion emphasized the deeper purpose behind the new facility, Cebu Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Javier Massot, underscored the consistent dependability of Aplus through the industry’s most difficult times. From the height of the pandemic to the ongoing recovery and renewed growth, Aplus has remained a steady presence—reliable, responsive, and always ready. Whether supporting routine operations or responding to urgent aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations, Aplus continues to deliver—anytime, anywhere.
Looking ahead, the new facility is designed with scalability in mind. Plans are already in motion to extend its capabilities to include base maintenance for the Airbus A330NEO, directly supporting Cebu Pacific’s widebody fleet. This development will elevate Aplus into the ranks of the country’s full MRO providers.
Photo from Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP)
It’s this kind of forward momentum that led Mr. Noel Manankil, LIPAD President and CEO, to proudly declare Clark as not just a location—but a rising force in the country’s aviation landscape. More than just an airport facility, Clark was designed to be a dynamic center for aviation, serving not only airlines and airports but also MROs.
Mr. Manankil describes it as an emerging powerhouse in the Philippines’ aviation sector, driven by purpose.
This kind of milestone doesn’t happen overnight and it certainly doesn’t happen without people. Behind every strategy, every approval, every bolt and beam of this new facility, are the individuals who pushed the vision forward. From initial planning to final execution, it was the dedication, skill, and quiet persistence of the Aplus team that made this moment possible.
This hangar may be the symbol of expansion, but the real foundation of Aplus has always been its people.