SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — An aviation academy based at the Subic Bay International Airport will provide academic and flight training to students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde under a new partnership aimed at producing industry-ready aviation professionals.

The Topflite Academy of Aviation and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde signed a memorandum of understanding on 23 January 2026 at the Subic Bay International Airport, according to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III said the agreement will integrate St. Benilde’s academic programs with Topflite Academy’s ground and flight training.

Under the partnership, Topflite Academy will provide aviation ground school and flight training components that will form part of selected degree programs of St. Benilde. The integration will initially be offered under the Tourism Management Program.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has authorized St. Benilde to operate as a satellite ground school facility of Topflite Academy. The program is expected to be rolled out from 2026 to 2027.

The signing ceremony was emceed by actor and director Xian Lim, who is also a student of Topflite Academy. Lim earned his commercial pilot license in June 2025 after completing his flight training at the academy in Subic.

Aside from the academic partnership, Topflite Academy also inaugurated its new aviation training facilities at the Subic Bay International Airport.

Subic Bay has emerged as a major aviation training hub in the Philippines, hosting several flight schools that offer private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and instrument rating programs. The Subic Bay International Airport features a 9,000-foot runway and formerly served as a U.S. Naval air station, providing extensive infrastructure for flight training operations.