Manila: The Philippines and Germany have embarked on a significant aviation partnership, signing a lease agreement aimed at establishing a major aircraft maintenance facility at Clark International Airport in Pampanga. The formal presentation and exchange of the signed agreement took place in a ceremony at Malaca±an Palace, witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier following their bilateral meeting.

According to Philippines News Agency, the lease agreement was executed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP). The agreement encompasses a 157,000-square-meter site within the Clark airport complex, designated for the development of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) support facility for aircraft.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a leading aircraft maintenance provider and a joint venture involving Germany's Lufthansa Technik, is a key player in this project. The initiative aligns with Clark's strategic goal of becoming a major aviation and aerospace hub in Southeast Asia, aiming to attract high-value investments and generate employment opportunities. Earlier, LTP expressed its intention to invest approximately USD400 million to develop a Clark MRO complex capable of servicing large aircraft, including the Airbus A380.

Germany holds the position as the Philippines' largest trading and investment partner within the European Union, with Lufthansa Technik being one of the most prominent German investors in the country. The state visit by President Steinmeier underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their long-standing friendship, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation. Notably, this marks the first visit by a German president to the Philippines since 1963.