Assessment of Facilities Management of Selected Aircraft Maintenance Firms (Defense)
Assessment of Facilities Management of Selected Aircraft Maintenance Firms (Defense)
ODERINDE, EBENEZER K.
STUDENT ID: 20640688
JANUARY 23,2025
INTRODUCTION
The aviation industry in the Philippines plays a very important role in national
development. With the country’s position in Southeast Asia, it serves as a major hub for both
domestic and international air travel. The aviation sector facilitates the movement of people,
goods, and services, thereby contributing significantly to the economy. However, this rapid
growth has led to several challenges, particularly in the management of aviation facilities. Airports
and other aviation-related infrastructure are the backbone of this sector, and their efficient
operation is critical to the smooth functioning of air travel (Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines, 2024).
The history of aviation in the Philippines dates back to the 1930s, but the sector began to
grow rapidly after World War II. Over the decades, the government has made substantial
investments in the development of the country's airport infrastructure. Despite these investments,
however, many airports still face significant challenges, including outdated facilities, congestion,
and issues with safety standards. For example, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA),
which handles the majority of international flights, continues to struggle with overcrowding and
aging infrastructure (De la Salle University, 2019). In addition, facilities management in these
airports has been increasingly recognized as a critical factor in ensuring smooth operations and
safety.
Facilities Management refers to managing and maintaining the buildings, equipment, and
services of aircraft maintenance firms to ensure they operate safely, efficiently, and in line with
aviation standards. Facilities management in aviation is a complex task that requires expertise in
a range of areas, including building maintenance, security, safety protocols, and customer service.
The demand for efficient management of airport facilities is growing as air travel in the
Philippines continues to increase. However, many airports are still grappling with problems such
as inadequate training of facilities managers, poor maintenance practices, and insufficient funding
for necessary upgrades (Aguinaldo & Tan, 2023). As a result, airports in the Philippines often face
difficulties in meeting international standards, which can impact the overall passenger experience
and safety.
In addition to these operational challenges, the rapid growth in passenger numbers presents
logistical difficulties. The Philippine government has recognized the need for reform and
modernization within the sector and is working to address these concerns through major
infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships (JG Summit Holdings, 2024). The
modernization of airports like NAIA, Mactan-Cebu, and Clark International Airport is part of a
broader effort to improve the overall efficiency of the aviation sector. However, a significant gap
remains in the management of facilities, which directly impacts the day-to-day operations and
Facilities management in the aviation sector is very important for the smooth functioning
of airports and aircraft maintenance organizations (MROs). It involves managing the buildings,
equipment, and resources necessary for daily operations. For MROs, this means having the right
tools, systems, and environment to ensure aircraft safety and readiness (Dela Cruz, 2020). As air
travel grows in the Philippines, so does the importance of well-maintained airports and aircraft
maintenance facilities.
According to Llamas (2020), while the Philippine aviation sector has made progress, it still
faces challenges with outdated infrastructure and equipment. Airports and MROs need continuous
upgrades to handle increasing air traffic. This is not just about improving buildings, but also
ensuring the systems for aircraft maintenance and repair are effective. In the Philippines, many
facilities still face issues like outdated technology, lack of skilled staff, and inconsistent
MROs in the Philippines are essential for maintaining the country's aviation safety
standards, but they face several challenges. One major problem is outdated facilities and
equipment. MROs need to keep up with international standards, but many facilities still use older
tools and machines that are no longer effective for modern aircraft (Dela Cruz, 2020). As pointed
out by Yap (2018), a lack of modernization can lead to longer maintenance times, increased costs,
Another problem is the shortage of skilled labour. Facilities management in MROs requires
experts in both aviation technology and management, but the Philippines faces a gap in properly
trained staff (Baviera, 2021). Training programs for maintenance staff are not always up to date,
and this leads to less efficient operations. As Dela Cruz (2020) states, continuous training is very
important to making sure staff can handle new technologies and best practices in aircraft
maintenance.
Also, the facilities themselves are often fragmented. This means that different parts of the
MRO may be managed in separate ways without a clear, unified strategy (Llamas, 2020). This
lack of coordination can result in delays and inefficiencies. A study by Yap (2018) found that the
absence of integrated management systems in MROs leads to increased downtime for aircraft,
infrastructure. The Philippine Economic Blueprint for the Aviation Sector (NEDA, 2021) lays out
plans for modernizing the country’s airports and MRO facilities. These plans include increasing
investments in airport infrastructure and privatizing certain airport services to boost efficiency.
However, despite these efforts, Llamas (2020) notes that much of the progress has been slow due
In recent years, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has introduced
stricter regulations for airport safety and aircraft maintenance. These regulations are designed to
ensure that MROs meet international standards and provide safe services (CAAP, 2022).
However, the implementation of these regulations remains a challenge, as many MROs lack the
To improve facilities management in MROs, it is helpful to look at best practices from other
countries. For example, using technology like predictive maintenance can help MROs avoid
delays and reduce costs by predicting when aircraft will need repairs before problems occur (Dela
Cruz, 2020). This approach has been successful in other parts of the world, and it could be adapted
Another best practice is integrating management systems for maintenance, staff training,
and equipment management. According to Yap (2018), when all parts of MRO operations are
connected through a single management system, it becomes easier to plan maintenance schedules,
track equipment usage, and ensure that the right people are available for the job.
Investing in staff training is also essential. MROs need to have programs that update the
skills of their workers regularly, especially as new technologies are introduced (Baviera, 2021).
By ensuring that employees stay up to date with the latest trends in aviation maintenance, MROs
The Philippine aviation sector faces significant challenges in facilities management for
MROs. The lack of modern equipment, skilled labour, and coordinated management systems are
key issues that need to be addressed. However, the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize
infrastructure and improve regulations are positive steps. By adopting international best practices,
such as using advanced technology and investing in staff training, the Philippines can improve
the effectiveness of its MROs and better meet the demands of the growing aviation industry.
Facilities Management (FM) ensures that higher education institutions (HEIs) offering
aeronautics programs have the necessary infrastructure to support both teaching and practical
training. It focuses on creating a safe, functional, and sustainable environment for learning and
research.
FM ensures that specialized facilities, such as simulation labs, hangars, and workshops,
are properly maintained to support the hands-on experience required in aeronautics education
(Hassanain & Alshibani, 2024). It also ensures compliance with aviation rules and safety
standards, helping the institution meet regulatory requirements (Amaratunga & Baldry, 2000).
FM also plays a role in saving costs by preventing equipment breakdowns and adopting
energy-efficient solutions, which aligns with global sustainability goals. By keeping the facilities
in good condition, FM helps the institution maintain a strong reputation and attract students
Aim of Study
This study aims to examine how facilities management is handled in some aircraft
maintenance firms in the Philippines, focusing on how well these facilities meet the needs of
aeronautics education programs. It will identify the main challenges that affect efficiency, safety,
and sustainability in these facilities. The study will also explore how these issues impact the
quality of education and propose practical solutions to improve management practices, ensuring
The general objective of the study is to conduct assessment of facilities management of selected
aircraft maintenance firms as a basis for development of facilities management model for HAU
aeronautics program.
Specifically,
companies
infrastructure.
3. To explore the impact of these challenges on the efficiency, safety, and overall experience
of passengers.
4. To identify training approaches for enhancing skills and capabilities in managing airport
Research Framework
o Research Variables
This study looks at how facilities management practices affect the quality of aeronautics
education in the Philippines. Specifically, it will explore how the management of aircraft
maintenance facilities in schools impacts safety, operational efficiency, and the quality of
education.
1. Current States of Selected MROs in the Philippines (X1): This examines the
they support training. It looks at the overall state of these facilities, including their
constraints, old buildings, and the difficulty of maintaining specialized equipment for
aircraft. It also involves issues like meeting environmental and safety standards. These
challenges can make it harder for facilities to support training and daily operations.
affects operations, safety, and the learning experience. For example, good
management can reduce downtime, make equipment last longer, and improve how
students learn.
equipment and facilities is done. It includes planning and fixing problems, using
resources like labour, equipment, and money, and following safety rules. Good
management ensures that the training areas and equipment are always in working
1. Operational Efficiency (Y1): This refers to how well the facilities run on a daily basis,
ensuring equipment is working and resources are being used properly. It’s measured by
how well maintenance is done, how often equipment breaks down, and how well
2. Safety Standards Compliance (Y2): This measures how well the facilities follow safety
rules and regulations. It ensures that students and staff are working in a safe environment
3. Quality of Education (Y3): This refers to how well the facilities help students learn,
especially in hands-on training. It looks at whether the facilities provide students with the
tools, simulators, and aircraft they need to prepare for their careers in aviation.
As illustrated in the research framework, developing the HAU facilities management plan
may depend on four independent variables. The interactions among these variables are anticipated
The theoretical foundation for this study is built on Systems Theory and the Resource-Based
View (RBV):
1. Systems Theory: Systems Theory provides the foundation for understanding how
organizations function as interconnected units, where each part relies on the others to
achieve overall objectives (Von Bertalanffy, 2022). In this study, facilities management
objectives and operational needs. Poor management in one area, such as inadequate
maintenance or outdated infrastructure, can disrupt the entire system, affecting both the
quality of education and operational efficiency. By using Systems Theory, the study will
aviation education.
2. Resource-Based View (RBV): The RBV focuses on how organizations can leverage
equipment—are considered valuable resources. The RBV suggests that maximizing the
potential of these resources can improve educational outcomes and operational efficiency.
For instance, the availability of up-to-date aviation tools and equipment is essential for
practices will allow institutions to utilize these resources to their fullest potential, thus
supporting high-quality education and safe, efficient operations (Hassanain & Alshibani,
2024).
o Conceptual Model
The conceptual model of this study illustrates the relationship between the independent
variables (facilities management practices and challenges) and the dependent variables
(operational efficiency, safety, and educational quality). The model emphasizes the idea that
This study is important as it will provide insights into the challenges faced by facilities
managers in the Philippine aviation sector, particularly in the context of aeronautics education
programs such as those offered by Holy Angel University (HAU). By focusing on the
research aims to identify gaps that impact not only the operational efficiency of aviation
institutions but also the quality of education and safety standards. Addressing these challenges
will contribute to enhancing the learning environment for students in HAU's Aeronautics
Program, ensuring they receive training that meets industry standards and prepares them for a
The findings of this research will benefit HAU, airport authorities, policymakers, and
This includes optimizing resource use, ensuring safety compliance, and enhancing the overall
programs can increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the aviation sector in the
Philippines, aligning with the growing demand for skilled professionals in the industry.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter explains the research design, methods used to collect data, and how the data
will be examined. The goal is to understand the challenges faced in managing facilities in the
aviation sector, especially in aircraft maintenance firms in the Philippines, and suggest practical
solutions. The study will also develop a facilities management model, especially for Holy Angel
Research Design
The study will use a mixed-methods approach. This means both qualitative and quantitative
aviation industry. This will help gather personal opinions on the challenges and solutions
• Quantitative research will use a survey to gather numerical data from a larger group of
people. This data will help identify common trends and practices in facilities management
in the aviation industry. The combination of both methods allows for a well-rounded
1. Identify the main challenges in facilities management in the aviation industry in the
Philippines.
threats.
5. Develop a financial plan to ensure the proposed model is sustainable and feasible,
The research will focus on professionals working in aviation firms, MRO companies and
the Philippines, there are over fifty aviation companies, including a mix of large and smaller
operators. For the purpose of this study, five airline companies and three MROs will be selected.
o Airlines
• Philippines Airlines
• Sunlight Air
• Cebu Pacific
• AirAsia
o MROs
• Dornier Technology
The selection is based on criteria such as company size, fleet capacity, scope of operations,
and their role in both domestic and international aviation sectors. By selecting these eight
companies, this study aims to provide a broader perspective on the industry's practices and
challenges while maintaining a manageable scope for in-depth analysis. The diverse selection
ensures that the research findings are applicable to a wider range of aviation companies,
For the qualitative research, 30 - 40 professionals from the aviation sector will be
interviewed, including facilities managers, aviation staff, safety officers, and academicians. I plan
the aviation industry. This sample size is large enough to capture diverse opinions, but small
enough to allow for detailed analysis. Research suggests that this number is ideal for achieving
data saturation, where new insights are no longer emerging, ensuring the quality of data without
For the quantitative part, I plan to survey 50 - 100 people. This sample size is large enough
to give reliable results and allow for proper statistical analysis. Research by Krejcie and Morgan
suggests that this range is ideal for representing a larger population and ensuring accuracy, while
still being manageable for the study. This will provide broader insights into common issues,
For the qualitative part, semi-structured interviews will be conducted. These interviews will
allow the researcher to ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions based on the
Quantitative Data Collection: The quantitative data will be collected using a structured
survey. The survey will include both closed-ended questions (multiple choice, yes/no) and Likert
scale items (rating the importance of various factors) to gather information on:
a. Maintenance practices in the aviation industry.
• Qualitative Data Analysis: The data from the interviews will be analysed using thematic
analysis. This involves reviewing the interview transcripts and organizing the responses
• Quantitative Data Analysis: The quantitative data from the surveys will be analysed
using descriptive statistics to summarize the results. This will include finding out how
often certain challenges occur and how common different practices are. Additionally,
correlation analysis will be done to see if there are any links between different factors,
Research Software
In this research, several software tools will be used to support data collection,
organization, and analysis. These tools will be crucial in achieving the goals of the study,
ensuring the research process is efficient, structured, and accurate. Below is an overview of
the software that will be used and how each will contribute to the methodology.
1. Data Collection: For gathering data, Google Forms or Microsoft Forms will be utilized.
These tools are ideal for creating and distributing online surveys to participants. The surveys
will be designed to collect information about the current state of facilities management in
aircraft maintenance organizations, the challenges faced, and the practices employed. Google
Forms and Microsoft Forms will provide an efficient way to gather data from a broad group
of respondents. The automatic organization of responses will reduce the time spent on data
2. Data Analysis: Once data is collected, it will be analysed using Microsoft Excel and
SPSS. For basic analysis of quantitative data, such as summarizing survey responses, Excel
will be used. It offers easy-to-use functions for calculating averages, percentages, and
creating charts, which will help present the data in a clear and accessible way. For more in-
depth analysis, especially in understanding the relationships between variables, SPSS will
be used. SPSS is a powerful statistical software that can handle advanced techniques,
including correlation and regression analysis. This will allow me to examine the relationships
between facilities management practices and the effectiveness of the aeronautics education
program.
or open-ended survey responses, NVivo will be used for analysis. NVivo is a specialized tool
for handling text-based data and will help organize, code, and analyse the qualitative
information gathered. It will be particularly useful in identifying key themes and trends
within the responses, providing valuable context and depth to the research.
Ethical Considerations
This study will follow ethical guidelines to protect the participants and ensure the research
is conducted responsibly:
o Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. This means they will be fully
informed about the purpose of the study and their role in it.
o Participation is voluntary, and participants can choose to leave the study at any time.
information will not be shared, and their identities will remain anonymous.
o The collected data will only be used for academic purposes and will not be shared with
• Time limitations may affect the depth of the study and the number of people who can be
interviewed or surveyed.
• The study focuses on the aviation sector in the Philippines, so the findings may not apply
commitments.
References
Journals and Papers
Ahmed, R., & Hassan, F. (2019). Facilities management practices in aviation: A case study of
international airports. Journal of Aviation Management, 20(2), 89–97.
Amaratunga, D., & Baldry, D. (2020). Assessment of facilities management performance in
higher education properties. Facilities, 18(7/8), 293–301.
Anon. (2015). The role of maintenance in enhancing aviation facility performance. Aviation
Infrastructure Journal, 5(3), 50–58.
Beyer, D., & Gerson, J. (2021). The role of facilities management in promoting sustainability
in aviation. Journal of Sustainable Aviation, 9(1), 42–57.
Carvalho, A. L., & Souza, M. F. (2020). Effectiveness of maintenance strategies in aviation
facilities management. Aerospace Maintenance Journal, 32(4), 220–230.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Dalal, A. R., & Singh, R. (2019). Integrating technology into aviation facilities management.
International Journal of Aviation Technology, 25(3), 102–114.
Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2020). How many interviews are enough? An
experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59–82.
Hassanain, M. A., & Alshibani, A. (2024). Innovations in facilities management for higher
education institutions with an emphasis on aviation programs. Facilities Management
Review, 18(6), 111–123.
Kim, J. H., & Lee, S. Y. (2018). The impact of strategic facilities management on aviation
safety and efficiency. Journal of Aviation Safety and Maintenance, 13(4), 75–89.
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (2020). Determining sample size for research activities.
Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607–610.
Marshall, M. N., Cardno, C., & Larkin, P. (2013). The appropriate sample size for qualitative
research. Sage.
Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches
(7th ed.). Pearson Education.
Patton, M. Q. (2022). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Robson, C. (2011). Real world research (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative research (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Von Bertalanffy, L. (2019). General System Theory: Foundations, Development,
Applications. George Braziller.
Yoon, J. S., & Park, K. (2022). Improving operational efficiency of aviation facilities through
integrated facilities management systems. Aviation Operations Journal, 10(3), 56–
70.
Zubair, S., & Abbas, K. (2021). The role of asset management in aviation facility
optimization. Journal of Aviation Infrastructure, 11(5), 140–153.
Websites
Air Transport World. (2024). The MRO landscape in Southeast Asia with a focus on the
Philippines. Air Transport World. Retrieved from https://www.atwonline.com
Department of Trade and Industry. (n.d.). DTI supports expansion plans of aircraft
maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) company. Department of Trade and Industry.
Retrieved from https://www.dti.gov.ph
6Wresearch. (2024). Philippines aviation MRO market (2024-2030): Industry, segmentation,
share, analysis, forecast. 6Wresearch. Retrieved from https://www.6wresearch.com
MRO Asia Pacific. (2024). Southeast Asia’s growing MRO market: Focus on the Philippines.
MRO Asia Pacific. Retrieved from https://www.mroasia.com
Philippine Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Aviation development in the Philippines.
Department of Transportation. Retrieved from https://www.dotr.gov.ph
Philippine News Agency. (2024). Growing opportunities in aviation MRO in the Philippines.
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rise. The Manila Times. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net
Survey on Facilities Management of Selected Aircraft Maintenance Firms
(Part of a Research Study for HAU Aeronautics Program Development)
Dear Participant,
Thank you for agreeing to take part in this survey. This research is part of my study titled:
The goal of this survey is to gather information about how facilities are managed in aircraft
maintenance firms. Your answers will help in creating a plan to improve facilities management for schools
Important Information
• Privacy: Your answers will stay private and will only be used for this study.
• No Personal Information: We won’t ask for any details that can identify you.
2. Choose the answer that fits you best or write your response where needed.
Thank you for your time and support! Your input is very valuable.
PART A
Section 1: Organizational Profile
1. What type of organization do you represent?
☐ Aircraft Maintenance Firm ☐ Airline Firm
☐ Other (please specify): ___________________________________________________
2. How long has your organization been operational?
☐ Less than 5 years ☐ 5–10 years ☐ Over 10
years
3. What services does your organization offer? (Select all that apply)
☐ Line Maintenance ☐ Base Maintenance
☐ Component Repair ☐ Other: ___________________________________
4. What is the size of your facilities team?
☐ 1–10 people ☐ 11–50 people ☐ More than 50 people
9. What challenges does your organization face in managing facilities? (Select all that apply)
☐ Budget constraints ☐ Aging equipment ☐ Lack of skilled personnel
☐ Inefficient processes ☐ Compliance with safety regulations
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
11. Does your organization have a sustainability policy for facilities management?
☐ Yes ☐ No
12. If yes, which of the following practices are included? (Select all that apply)
☐ Energy-efficient systems ☐ Recycling and waste reduction programs
☐ Water conservation initiatives ☐ Eco-friendly materials in construction and
maintenance
☐ Other: ______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
13. What unique challenges do you think educational institutions face in managing aviation facilities?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
14. What key features should a facilities management model for aeronautics programs include?
☐ Maintenance scheduling systems ☐ Compliance with aviation industry standards
☐ Training programs for staff and students ☐ Integration of sustainability practices
☐ Other: ____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
15. Would you support a model that combines best practices from industry and education?
☐ Yes ☐ No
PART B
Benchmarking International Best Practices
strongly agree
not applicable
uncertain/
disagree
disagree
strongly
agree
1. Facilities management policies and procedures are
clearly documented and accessible to all stakeholders.
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Partially
2. Which areas of the Aeronautics Program require the most improvement? (Rank in order of priority)
3. How would you rate the current allocation of resources for the Aeronautics facilities?
5. What modern technologies or systems would you recommend to improve facilities management at
HAU? (Open-ended)
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________________
7. What long-term improvements do you think are essential for growth?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Which of the following income-generating activities do you think are feasible? (Select all that apply):
2. How do you see the future of facilities management for educational institutions, especially for
technical programs like aeronautics?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Is there anything else you would like to add regarding the facilities management practices, challenges,
or solutions that we haven’t discussed?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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