Airbus is betting on Philippine talent as it teams up with Cebu-based Indiana Aerospace University (IAU) to sharpen aircraft maintenance training and future-proof the country’s aviation workforce.
The European aircraft maker has signed an agreement with IAU to roll out the Airbus Competence Training (ACT) for Academy, a computer-based learning platform designed to align classroom instruction with real-world industry standards. The deal was sealed on February 5 on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow, signaling Airbus’ growing focus on Southeast Asia’s aviation pipeline.
Under the partnership, Airbus and IAU will collaborate to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills focused on maintaining the A320 Family of aircraft—one of the most widely used single-aisle jets globally.
The program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and operational demands as airlines grapple with a global shortage of skilled maintenance professionals.
In a statement released on February 11, Airbus said the initiative underscores its commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ aviation ecosystem by building local capabilities and developing a future-ready workforce.
IAU plans to integrate ACT for Academy into its curriculum by the second quarter of 2026, with up to 5,000 students expected to benefit over the next five years.
“Partnering with Airbus allows us to elevate our training programmes by aligning them more closely with real-world operational requirements,” said Dr. Harold E. Toring, chief executive officer of Indiana Aerospace University. He added that students will gain hands-on exposure to modern aircraft maintenance environments and global best practices.
Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific, said developing skilled aviation professionals is critical to sustaining long-term industry growth, noting that the collaboration supports technical competency building and a resilient regional talent pipeline as air travel continues its post-pandemic rebound.
