Clark International Airport’s new AeroDistrict targets freighter growth

Clark International Airport in the Philippines recently announced a plan to construct a four-phase AeroDistrict with a dedicated cargo and logistics hub. The AeroDistrict’s launch is being driven by growing passenger and cargo traffic at CRK, the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor and the Philippine government’s push to strengthen regional economic growth, trade and logistics capabilities, among other factors, a spokesperson for Clark International Airport (CRK) told Cargo Facts . [caption id="attachment_57298406" align="aligncenter" width="2030"] UPS and FedEx both operate at CRK. (Courtesy/Clark International Airport Corporation)[/caption] The broader AeroDistrict will be divided into four zones, each with a different focus, the spokesperson said. Thy are: Zone One, with MRO facilities; Zone Two, with mixed business, MRO, and freight operations; Zone Three, the dedicated “cargo city”; and Zone Four, with mixed use commercial facilities surrounding a passenger terminal. The cargo city will comprise 30 hectares of the planned 759-hectare facility, according to local reports. A master plan for the area will be completed by the end of 2026 and the development of the cargo complex is slated to wrap up in about 2031. Also within the Luzon Economic Corridor — 25 miles from CRK — is a 1,617-hectare site that will house an AI manufacturing hub, according to an April press release from the Philippine government. The site will be home to technology firms, research institutions and government agencies that will use AI to accelerate innovation and attract investments, according to the release. Carriers confident in CRK Vedant Bhardwaj, director of business development at Philippines-based Skyway Airlines, told Cargo Facts, said they are encouraged by the plans, “particularly the planned development of the dedicated cargo city and the broader logistics ecosystem around CRK." He said because CRK is Skyway’s principal operating base, the work there is aligned with the airline’s growth plans. Skyway Airlines continues to grow, we are evaluating the future utilization of larger freighter aircraft, including 767s and A330s, to support increased capacity requirements and broader network expansion,” Bhardwaj said. “The continued development of Clark’s cargo facilities will be important in supporting the efficient operation of such aircraft and our longer-term fleet strategy.” Skyway, which got its AOC in 2024, this month put into service its third aircraft, a 1997-vintage 737-400SF (25773) on lease from World Star Aviation. The dedicated cargo city could encourage additional airfreight stakeholders to establish a presence at CRK, strengthening the airport’s role within regional supply chains, Bhardwaj added. UPS, which operates routes at CRK including Sydney (SYD) and Shenzhen (SZX), in May applied to begin flying a 767-300F between CRK and Hong Kong (HKG) beginning in September. UPS declined to comment on the scope of its involvement in the AeroDistrict. Meanwhile, FedEx is expanding its CRK facility, a spokesperson for the integrator told Cargo Facts . Once completed, the facility will span more than 78,000 square meters and feature operational capabilities designed to enhance shipment flow and service flexibility for customers, the spokesperson added. Cargo Facts Symposium 2026, the premier event for the freighter aircraft and air cargo industries, will take place in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 21-23. Find out more and register by Sept. 4 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

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