Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro said she is preparing to launch a scholarship program with aviation academies across the province to address rising demand for skilled professionals in the sector.
Speaking at the Cebu Aviation Summit 2025, hosted by Airworks Aviation Academy, Baricuatro said the scheme would target students pursuing aircraft maintenance, engineering, ground operations, and related fields.
Drawing on her experience as a former Cathay Pacific flight attendant, she said aviation should be viewed “not just as an industry, but a lifeline—a source of livelihood, a driver of our economy, and a path for our youth to rise.”
Industry forecasts point to a severe global shortage of aviation professionals. Boeing projects commercial carriers will need nearly 2.4 million new staff by 2044, including 710,000 technicians and 1 million cabin crew.
Training group CAE estimates demand for 1.5 million civil aviation workers by 2034, while Airbus sees the world’s fleet almost doubling by 2044.
The Philippine aviation sector has rebounded from the pandemic slump, but shortages of mechanics, engineers and ground staff remain acute.
Airlines are adding routes and airports are expanding, underpinning demand for skilled labour.
Baricuatro said the scholarship plan under discussion includes financial aid for low-income students, investment in labs and simulators, and partnerships with schools and airlines to align training with international standards.
“Government must stand hand in hand with schools, airlines and regulators to ensure young Cebuanos can compete globally,” she said.
By channelling local talent into high-demand roles, Cebu hopes to strengthen its position as a Southeast Asian hub for aviation training and help ease pressure on global workforce pipelines.
Cebu Business News
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