UPS expands Clark operations

March 23, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Logistics giant UPS is expanding operations at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga as part of its $250-million commitment to scale up its Asia-Pacific business.

In an agreement with the operator of the Clark International Airport, UPS president for Asia and the Pacific Wilfredo Ramos said the company would build a new facility in the gateway by February 2025.

If things go as planned, the hub will be operational toward the end of 2026, raising the potential of the Clark International Airport to become a logistics powerhouse in the region.

Since the start of 2023, Ramos said UPS has committed at least $250 million for the construction of new facilities and expansion of existing hubs in Asian economies. The company is expanding in the region to support trade recovery in the pandemic aftermath.

In the Philippines, the expansion means UPS gets to build its capacity in providing integrated express and medical logistics services. The project also helps UPS position for future demand in the logistics space, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.

“The investments that UPS continues to make through this expansion will enhance time in transit across Asia Pacific and continue to deliver service reliability for our customers and position UPS for long-term growth,” Ramos said.

For the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp., the new investment from UPS proves that Clark has the potential to become a preferred logistics hub.

LIPAD CEO Noel Manankil said the Clark International Airport can also serve as a launching pad for logistics firms trying to widen their international network.

“The collaboration between UPS and LIPAD marks a major achievement in positioning Clark as a premier logistics hub for international brands seeking to launch or grow their global presence. This expansion is part of efforts of LIPAD in project land development,” Manankil said.

Recently, UPS has announced that it is expanding business in Asia and the Pacific, particularly in Singapore, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea and Taiwan. The company will also open a new processing and sorting facility in Hong Kong by 2028.

The public and private sectors are pushing to make the Clark International Airport a logistics powerhouse in the region, as it is connected to multiple destinations abroad, going as far as the Middle East.