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The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has awarded Clark International Airport with a Permanent Aerodrome Certificate, affirming its compliance with aviation safety standards
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To qualify for the permanent certification, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp said CRK passed the requirements in all areas
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LIPAD president and CEO Noel Manankil said that this development comes at an opportune time as CRK prepares to accommodate an expected increase in aircraft and passenger traffic with the gradual transfer of turboprop operations from NAIA to CRK
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has awarded Clark International Airport (CRK) with a Permanent Aerodrome Certificate, affirming its compliance with aviation safety standards.
“This certification is a major milestone for CRK. Achieving this in under three years shows the dedication of our team and our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and excellent airport services,” CRK private operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) president and chief executive officer Noel Manankil said in a statement.
“As we continue to grow and connect the world through CRK, this recognition inspires us to maintain the highest standards of excellence and innovation in aviation,” he added.
The aerodrome certificate—either temporary or interim, or final or permanent—is issued by CAAP under applicable regulations for the operation of an international aerodrome. An aerodrome is defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations, and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement of aircraft.
Under CAAP’s civil aviation regulation, an aerodrome shall only be operated by a person who holds a valid certificate issued by CAAP for that aerodrome if it is used for any international air transport operation; or if an aerodrome operator plans to have an international air transport operation, the operator must apply for an aerodrome certificate.
To qualify for the permanent certification, LIPAD said CRK passed the requirements in all areas.
LIPAD said CRK’s aerodrome facilities, services, and equipment are compliant with the CAAP Manual of Standards for a certified aerodrome. The airport also complies with the acceptable Aerodrome Manual and aerodrome procedures make satisfactory provision for the safety of the aircraft. The airport operator also has the necessary competence and expertise to operate the aerodrome. CRK also complies with the acceptable Aerodrome Safety Management System and has conducted a full-scale emergency exercise.
Manankil noted that this development comes at an opportune time, as CRK prepares to accommodate an expected increase in aircraft and passenger traffic with the gradual transfer of turboprop operations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the Pampanga hub.
The Department of Transportation Manila Slot Coordination Committee resolution issued on December 3, 2024 directed the gradual transfer of 30% of turbo prop operations of airlines from NAIA to other secondary gateways, including CRK, starting March 2025 to help decongest the country’s main gateway.
READ: Cebu Pacific to move Masbate, Siargao flights from NAIA to CRK
For 2024, LIPAD said flight operations at CRK saw a 29% year-on-year growth to 19,221 flights.
Passenger traffic also grew 20% to 2.4 million passengers.
READ: Air cargo volumes at Clark International Airport soar 32% in 2024
