Barradas Airfield is set to reopen with a renewed vision under a dynamic new partnership spearheaded by West2East Aviation Services Inc., a newly established general aviation company based south of Manila.
Backed by over 30 years of combined industry experience from its founding members, the new partnership company brings both expertise and commitment to the table to the airfield in Tanauan, Batangas.
Officially launched on April 5, 2025, West2East Aviation Services Inc. presented its comprehensive plan to restore Barradas Airfield to operational capability.
The scope of development includes essential infrastructure enhancements such as runway rehabilitation, the construction of hangars and warehouse facilities, and the establishment of headquarters spaces for affordable rental prices —strategically positioned to support both aviation operations and associated businesses.
In a keynote address, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General LTGEN. Raul Del Rosario (Ret.) emphasized the vital role of comprehensive training and education in shaping the future of aviation professionals.
DG Del Rosario highlighted the growing demands of the aviation industry and the importance of equipping pilots, engineers, and maintenance personnel with up-to-date knowledge and skills.
“As aviation technology continues to evolve and the global industry undergoes rapid transformation, our workforce must remain agile, competent, and future-ready,” said DG Del Rosario.
Referencing projections from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other leading aviation authorities, he noted that the global commercial aviation sector is projected to require approximately 602,000 new pilots and 610,000 new maintenance technicians over the next two decades.
These figures, he said, reflect the urgent need for institutions to invest in robust training programs that not only meet current industry standards but also anticipate future trends.
He further stressed that the integration of emerging technologies and advanced methodologies into training curricula will be key in preparing aviation personnel for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness, he noted, hinge on how well aviation professionals are trained from the ground up.
In alignment with these insights, West2East Aviation Services Inc. expressed its commitment to forging partnerships with educational institutions, aiming to support educators and administrators in continuously enhancing their curricula to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.
This collaborative approach is designed to equip students with practical skills for real-world aviation settings, further strengthening the dedication to excellence in aeronautical education.
The launch event was graced by several key figures in the aviation community. Present were Capt. Mannie Barradas, owner of Barradas Airstrip; Capt. Archie Po, CEO and owner of Lion Air; Capt. Joey Mananhaya, Chief Pilot and Head of Flight Operations at Cebu Pacific; and LTCOL. Valentino Dionela (Ret.), Assistant Director of the Aerodrome Development and Management Service. Additional attendees included Engr. Carl De Guzman, Quality and Security Director of Skyway Airlines; Dean Joy Lozano, College of Aviation, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Las Piñas; Engr. Kevin Baltazar, Lyceum University Cavite, College of Aeronautical Engineering; Engr. Ronald S. Cayaban, Mapua-Laguna Institute of Aviation; and Engr. Kyn Vargas, a representative from the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA) College of Engineering. (Rodge David Ng)
