Shell, INAEC to transfer Malampaya hangar to El Nido

INAEC Team

Shell Philippines Exploration (SPEX) announced that it will soon fully utilize the newly inaugurated aircraft hangar of the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Company (INAEC) in El Nido, Palawan once the transfer of the helicopter base from Puerto Princesa is completed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • When did the construction of the new INAEC hangar start?

    The construction of the INAEC Hangar E2 started in April 2022.
  • By how much will the flight time going to the Malampaya gas field be reduced following the transfer of the helicopter base to El Nido?

    Shell Philippines Exploration Managing Director Atty. Kiril Caral said that the relocation to the INAEC Hangar E2 in El Nido will cut down flight time from 55 minutes to 15 minutes.
  • In a statement, SPEX External Relations Manager for Upstream Paulo Gavino said that the move was to further ensure the safety and security of its manpower. “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,” he was quoted as saying.

    The construction of the INAEC Hangar E2 started in April 2022 and was completed last March.

    INAEC hangar

    During the facility's inauguration, SPEX Managing Director Atty. Kiril Caral shared that the relocation to the 825-square-meter INAEC Hangar E2 will cut down flight time by more than 70 percent — from nearly an hour to 15 minutes — thus looking at improved safety, reliability and efficiency to the firm’s operations.

    SPEX also shared INAEC Hangar E2's position “also provides easier access to search and rescue resources including support from the Joint Task Force Malampaya" (a composite team of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy with support from the Philippine Coast Guard) and will improve the security of the Malampaya offshore crew, especially in cases of offshore emergencies with shorter response times.         

    INAEC President Jay Lopez expressed pride over the completion of the P45-million structure. “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,” he added.

    Brian Curie, Base and Contract Manager of PHI International — the firm responsible for maintaining the base and the helicopters at the new INAEC Hangar E2 — said that the latest structure “has far outpaced other airports in the country.”

    The company said that the partnership among the INAEC, SPEX and PHI International for the helicopter transport of Malampaya personnel started in 2013.

    Shell x INAEC

    SPEX said that it harnesses domestic natural gas at the Malampaya structure located at the West Philippine Sea, resulting in reduced oil imports, better air quality, and generated significant revenues for the local government amounting to $12 billion or over P1 trillion so far.

    Since January 2002, Malampaya continues to power up to 20 percent of the country’s electricity or the equivalent of 14.4 million Filipinos. It has also made Luzon’s air cleaner and better since natural gas emits 30 to 50 percent less emissions compared to coal, fuel oil or diesel in electricity generation.

    Photos from Pilipinas Shell

    Also read:

    Shell PH exec says MSMEs can boost national development, economic resilience

    Pilipinas Shell's 'Gas Mo, Bukas Ko' program fuels pump attendants' success

    Shell PH, BCDA renew partnership on C5 Road station usage

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Toyota endorses 2nd ELV dismantling facility for insured vehicles
      Toyota endorses 2nd ELV dismantling facility for insured vehicles
      Ruben Manahan IV . Today
    • Volvo PH launches updated XC60, XC90 PHEV
      Volvo PH launches updated XC60, XC90 PHEV
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • Honda Cars PH strengthens aftersales with insurance conference
      Honda Cars PH strengthens aftersales with insurance conference
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • Volvo PH May 2025 MoM sales up by 550%
      Volvo PH May 2025 MoM sales up by 550%
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 01, 2025
    • Mitsubishi Motors PH launches 'Prepaid Maintenance Parts package'
      Mitsubishi Motors PH launches 'Prepaid Maintenance Parts package'
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 01, 2025
    • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
      Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
    • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
      Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
    • Check out the MG Marvel R’s strengths, weaknesses
      Check out the MG Marvel R’s strengths, weaknesses
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
    • Here is a quick look at Suzuki XL7 Hybrid sole option in PH
      Here is a quick look at Suzuki XL7 Hybrid sole option in PH
      Paulo Papa . Jun 30, 2025
    • Toyota RAV4 vs. other hybrid crossovers
      Toyota RAV4 vs. other hybrid crossovers
      Paulo Papa . Jun 30, 2025
    • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
    • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
    • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
    • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
    • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
    • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
    • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
      ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
    • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
      Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
      Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025