ANDREW DOYLE / SINGAPORE
The IFS project is aimed at nations that lack funding to do their own military flights
Plans by a Philippine company to establish an international pilot flight training centre at the former US Clark Air Base in the Philippines are set to receive a major boost this month with the signing of an agreement under which the Toronto Dominion Bank will agree to invest $300 million inthe project.
Project leader Garsol Management Innovators (GMII) says signing the deal will clear the way for negotiations to be concluded on the acquisition of up to 140 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
The International Flying School (IFS) project, closely modelled on Bombardier's NATO Flying Training in Canada concept, is targeted at nations that lack the funding and airspace to conduct their own military flight training.
Manila-based GMII says present schools do not cater for the full range of military requirements, from primary to lead-in fighter, rotary wing and search-and-rescue pilot training. Although the initial focus is military flying, the company also plans eventually to offer flight training to airlines.
Negotiations are under way with Switzerland's Pilatus and New Zealand's Pacific Aerospace for 60-80 trainers, says GMII. Pilatus aircraft being considered are the PC-7, PC-9, PC-21 and PC-12. Pacific Aerospace produces the CT/4E piston single. GMII says it aims to make a final selection by May.
It is also holding discussions with Ernst & Young, which is selling New Zealand's Aermacchi MB399 jet trainers, and is interested in discussing new MB339s with the Italian manufacturer.
Bell UH-1H and JetRanger helicopters could be acquired later if GMII proceeds with plans to enter the rotary-wing training market.
The company's president and chief executive Sean Gerard Villoria plans to use the Toronto investment to fund his 60% of the IFS, with the remainder to be offered to "industrial partners".
The company says it is talking to several potential flying school customers, including the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The Philippine air force is due to take delivery of five ex-US Army UH-1Hs on 22 January.
Source: Flight International
