Margaret Lim Yu on Transforming Philippine Aviation

The transition toward public-private partnerships, which will encompass 10 additional airports by 2028, presents a significant operational pivot. Yu, who took the helm in 2011 when the company served only a single airline, emphasizes that collaboration with new airport managers is essential to improving passenger and cargo flows. She views this period of flux as an opportunity to elevate Philippine airports to global standards, noting that initial resistance to change has given way to productive cooperation.

Under her leadership, the company has moved from early-stage stabilization to a focus on resilience and adaptability. This evolution is rooted in a culture of transparency and shared goals, which Yu credits for the company's current agility. Looking ahead, her strategy involves securing contracts at three additional regional airports within the next decade, a move intended to shift the national mindset that international travel must exclusively originate from Manila.

Sustainability remains a core pillar of this long-term vision. While the firm plans to align with global green initiatives—including the adoption of electric and hybrid ground equipment—Yu acknowledges that local infrastructure and education present significant hurdles. For the CEO, who plans to retire in four years, the ultimate objective is to instill a lasting passion for the industry in her team, ensuring the company remains a competitive, high-standard player in the evolving aviation landscape.