Shell, INAEC set to relocate hangar operations to El Nido

MANILA: Shell Philippines Exploration BV (SPEX) is about to finish relocating its helicopter base from Puerto Princesa, Palawan to the recently inaugurated aircraft hangar of INAEC Aviation Corporation inside Lio Airport in El Nido and start hangar operations soon.

“The safety and security of our people are of paramount importance to us. This move underscores our commitment to our frontliners— offshore platform crew members who recognize no holidays, are based offshore several weeks at a time, and tirelessly work in shifts to ensure that Malampaya powers Luzon reliably 24/7. Truly, they and their families are the heroes of Malampaya,” SPEX External Relations Manager for Upstream Paulo Gavino stated.

The new 825-sqm INAEC Hangar E2 at El Nido will house the Malampaya helicopter base, which will result in a considerable reduction of over 70% in flight time for transporting personnel to and from the offshore platform.

“The relocation of the helicopter base from Puerto Princesa to El Nido offers significant benefits to Malampaya. Flight time is reduced from 55 minutes to 15 minutes, which means improved safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations,” SPEX Managing Director Atty. Kiril Caral said.

Due to its strategic location, INAEC Hangar E2 has quicker access to search and rescue resources including assistance from the Joint Task Force Malampaya, a team made up of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard. This will help the crew of the Malampaya offshore vessel to feel more secure, especially in situations where an offshore emergency requires a quicker response.

Safety is INAEC's top priority, just like it is at SPEX. The business follows international regulations, is subject to rigorous annual audits by third-party auditors, and provides additional training for crew and staff.

INAEC was the first privately owned airline in the Philippines founded by a Filipino, Don Eugenio Lopez, in 1932. INAEC started operating and offering helicopter transport services to the country's oil and gas companies in the early 2000s.

In 2013, INAEC worked with SPEX and PHI International for the helicopter transfer of Malampaya workers from Puerto Princesa to the offshore platform. The construction of INAEC Hangar E2, which cost P45 million, started in April 2021 and was completed in March of this year.

“This to us is more than just a structure. This represents a true milestone for INAEC. It is symbolic of a continuing and evolving partnership whose end objective is to keep the lights on in the Philippines,” INAEC President Jay Lopez stated.

PHI International, an aviation authority founded in 2017, is renowned for offering efficiency and safety to its customers in the oil and gas sector. It is in charge of keeping the base and the helicopters at the new INAEC Hangar E2 in El Nido in tip top shape.

“The infrastructure in El Nido has far outpaced other airports in the country,” PHI International Base and Contract Manager Brian Curie said.

With its top-notch helicopter services, PHI International has successfully performed the challenging duty of safely transporting the Malampaya crew to and from the offshore platform for the past eight years.

“We are proud to work together with the pioneers and most trusted names in the air transport and air charter industry to help power the lives of millions of Filipinos across the country,” Gavino added.

Malampaya, which is run by SPEX, marked the beginnings of the Philippine natural gas industry. SPEX extracts indigenous natural gas from the West Philippine Sea's depths, which has led to fewer oil imports, improved air quality, and huge financial gains for the local government totaling US$12 billion or over P1 trillion so far.

Malampaya has powered up to 20% of the nation's electricity since January 2002, which is the equivalent of 14.4 million Filipinos. Additionally, as natural gas generates 30% to 50% less air emissions when used to generate electricity than coal, fuel oil, or diesel, Luzon's air is now cleaner and better.

Photos from Shell Philippines Exploration

Also read: Shell Go+ points can now be converted into PAL Mabuhay Miles