Lipa City: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday highlighted the growing global demand for aviation professionals, calling it a promising path for Filipino workers. Cayetano, who authored the bill to establish a National Aviation Academy, said nearly 2.4 million new aviation personnel will be needed worldwide in the coming years, a demand he believes Filipinos are well-positioned to help meet.

According to Philippines News Agency, the senator noted the significant need for aviation professionals during a Facebook Live broadcast at the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) Fernando Air Base campus in Lipa City, Batangas. He mentioned that globally, nearly 674,000 new pilots, 700,000 maintenance technicians, and almost one million cabin crew members are required.

While Filipinos are known to excel in fields like maritime work, nursing, and tech, Cayetano said the aviation sector also offers vast opportunities, not just in piloting but in aircraft maintenance, electronics, and ground operations at new airports worldwide.

The senator's visit comes just a week after Congress passed Senate Bill No. 2969, which transforms PhilSCA into the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines (NAAP). The measure is awaiting the President's signature.

Cayetano also expressed support for expanding aviation programs in high schools, particularly those under the Science, Technology, Science, Mathematics strand for senior high school, saying he is open to helping pilot initiatives in select schools. He encouraged educational institutions to develop programs and mentioned his willingness to support a few schools in implementing these initiatives.