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Air Carriers Association of the Philippines has appointed Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle as its new executive director
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Perez de Tagle is a 40-year airline industry veteran, most recently PAL’s VP for corporate affairs
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ACAP members include Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, and AirAsia Philippines
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ACAP also elected Cebu Pacific’s Alexander Lao as vice chairman and PAL’s Carlos Luis Fernandez as chairman
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Newly named officials will serve a two-year term
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In 2024, ACAP’s five member airlines carried 44.6 million passengers with a combined fleet of 194 aircraft
The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) has appointed veteran airline executive Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle as its new executive director, as the country’s major carriers seek to strengthen industry coordination and collaboration.
In a statement, the umbrella group of local airlines said Perez de Tagle will lead ACAP into its next phase following the organization’s 10-year milestone.
Perez de Tagle brings nearly 40 years of experience in the airline industry. He most recently served as vice president for corporate affairs of Philippine Airlines, a post he held until May last year.
ACAP’s members include flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and its low-cost unit PAL Express, Cebu Pacific and its regional arm Cebgo, and AirAsia Philippines.
ACAP aims to advance a “safe, reliable, efficient, and world-class local aviation industry” under Perez de Tagle’s term.
“Our ACAP member airlines are focused on the future and determined to play a collaborative role in tackling industry challenges on various fronts, from aviation infrastructure and sensible regulations to sustainability and above all safety,” Perez de Tagle said. “Working with other stakeholders, we can help build an industry that fosters safer skies, easier travel and a greener planet for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos.”
As part of its leadership reshuffle, ACAP earlier elected Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao as vice chairman, while PAL executive vice president and chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez was named chairman.
The newly appointed officials will serve a two-year term.
Fernandez stressed that while local airlines will continue to compete, they remain committed to working as partners with government and other carriers to strengthen the country’s air transport system.
“The Philippines’ air carriers have prevailed over major upheavals to emerge as a thriving and progressive industry that delivers safe flights, reliable services and vital connectivity to power tourism, trade and the local economy,” he said.
ACAP recalled that the airlines’ camaraderie was tested last month during the mandatory software update on Airbus A320-family aircraft, which disrupted several flights.
Member airlines shared urgent safety information and equipment to expedite the process, reducing grounding times and minimizing inconvenience to passengers, ACAP said.
Last year, ACAP’s five member airlines carried more than 44.6 million passengers using a combined fleet of 194 aircraft, underscoring their role in powering the country’s aviation sector.
