Philippine Aviation Authority Advances Wildlife Protection and Safety Measures

MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has reaffirmed its dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability through a recent airport wildlife management course. This initiative underscores CAAP’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency, improve air traffic safety, and protect biodiversity. CAAP Director General Manuel Tamayo highlighted the importance of such training during a three-day seminar at the Civil Aviation Training Center, which concluded on December 13. Tamayo pointed out that wildlife hazards and bird strikes continue to pose significant challenges to the aviation sector. The course provided detailed strategies for mitigating these risks. CAAP emphasized that this training reflects their ongoing commitment to maintaining a balance between safety, operational efficiency, and environmental care. In a related event last March, Tacloban Airport, managed by CAAP, conducted simulation exercises to prepare for incidents like bird strikes. Over the weekend, an American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird strike damaged its engine, underscoring the relevance of CAAP’s initiatives.