It’s official: Ex-Air Force chief now CAAP head

MANILA, Philippines – The board of directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has elected retired Lt Gen William Hotchkiss III as the regulator’s new director-general.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said Hotchkiss is expected to use his air operations skills and experience in addressing pressing issues faced by CAAP, including congestion at the main Manila airport and the downgrade in the Philippine aviation’s safety status.

“A staunch advocate of discipline, good work ethic, and prioritizes safety in air flights, he fits the bill in overseeing the operations of CAAP,” Roxas said.

Hotchkiss said he is prepared to institute reforms at the aviation body, but will “need time to fully understand the pressing issues facing CAAP before I can make the right decisions.”

Hotchkiss, 69, served as commanding general of the Philippine Air Force from 1996 to 1999. He also served during the administration of President Aquino’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

He replaces Ramon Gutierrez, who was reportedly sacked by the President for failing to meet his goals.

In 2011, President Aquino ordered CAAP to get the Philippines out of the Category 2 status, which has prevented local airlines from mounting new or additional flights to the US. 

The status was imposed by CAAP’s US counterpart, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), in 2008 after CAAP failed to meet globally accepted aviation safety standards.

CAAP still failed to pass an audit conducted by the FAA last year, preventing the Philippines from getting a status upgrade. – Rappler.com