Two Decades of Excellence
Mastering Every Altitude, Elevating the Future of Aviation
Mastering Every Altitude, Elevating the Future of Aviation
A Legacy of Excellence
A Future in the Air
Founded in 2005, Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) began in the Philippines as one of the inaugural organisations to introduce complete professional pilot training in the Asia‑Pacific region. With a vision to train and develop world-class pilots and future leaders for the aviation industry, AAG set a new standard for pilot education when it established its training centres in the UK and the Philippines.
Training centers in the Philippines, India and Indonesia
Training aligned with partner airlines’ SOPs using Competency-Based Training & Assessment
Quality, scalability and community impact
Thousands of graduates flying with major airlines
AAG Milestones in Pilot Excellence
2005
Leveraging on its global network of expertise and resources to deliver innovative, high quality and cost-effective pilot training solutions, the Group took hold of the Asia-Pacific market and established AAG Philippines (AAGP) to offer one of the first Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) training in the world
2008
Alpha Aviation Academy (AAA) UAE, was launched in partnership with Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the MENA region. AAG UAE became the primary provider of ab-initio pilots for Air Arabia and the leading provider of MPL training in the region
2017
AAG International Center for Aviation Training (AICAT) was established in San Fernando Airport, La Union, Philippines to cater to the ever-growing regional demand for world-class pilot training. This was followed by the creation of its own Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) in 2019 and Maintenance Training Center (MTC) in 2021
2022
AAG partnered with Anemos Aviation Private Ltd. to setup the AAG Centre for Aviation Training (ACAT); currently housing 2 full flight simulators with the capability to expand to 6-bays in Chennai, India
2023
In pursuit of AICAT-AMO’s strategic roadmap toward becoming a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, the AAG Integrated and Maintenance Solutions (AIMS) was established
2025
AAG reinforced its strong growth platform in Asia with the establishment of AAG Indonesia following the acquisition of FlyBest Flight Academy, expanding its regional footprint and advancing its commitment to delivering airline-focused pilot training in Indonesia
Our Team
Cherian Thomas
Chairman
As Chairman of AAG Limited (UK), Cherian leads a team dedicated to developing and implementing customized business strategies. He provides high-level oversight, leveraging his extensive background to enhance long-term enterprise value for foreign investors and strategic partners.
A distinguished executive with over 40 years of experience in private equity, engineering and diverse sectors. His career, which began at TATA Steel, includes heading strategic divisions and spearheading M&A, structured finance and successful business turnarounds. He holds advanced qualifications from Oxford University and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).
A distinguished executive with over 40 years of experience in private equity, engineering and diverse sectors. His career, which began at TATA Steel, includes heading strategic divisions and spearheading M&A, structured finance and successful business turnarounds. He holds advanced qualifications from Oxford University and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).
Atty. Lourielee Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Atty. Lourie serves as Chief Executive Officer of AAG Limited (UK), leading global strategy,
governance, and business transformation across the
Group’s aviation training and investment platforms. With
over two decades of executive experience across law,
corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and
strategic consulting, she brings a powerful blend of legal
acumen and strategic leadership. Holder of a Harvard
Business School credential from the Program for
Leadership Development. Lourie is recognized for driving
sustainable growth, operational excellence, and governance
integrity across multinational organizations in the UK and
Asia
Christine Legaspi
Chief Finance Officer
Christine is the key financial partner to the Board, driving
AAG's growth strategy and financial resilience since
2011. A licensed CPA with over 20 years of leadership
experience, she combines strategic vision with rigorous
financial discipline. Christine oversees IFRS/GAAP
compliance, risk management, and capital market
activities, ensuring long-term stability while enabling
sustainable business expansion.
Lani Flores
Chief Technology Officer
Lani spearheads AAG’s technology strategy and digital transformation agenda, aligning IT with business priorities to drive operational efficiency, system integration, and measurable improvements in safety, quality, and customer experience. With over 25 years of global leadership experience across North America and
Asia, she is recognized for building high-performing teams and successfully delivering complex, enterprisewide programs. Her leadership ensures that technology
innovation and automation remain central to advancing AAG’s mission of excellence, reliability and industryleading standards.
Meenal Bhat
Chief Marketing Officer
Meenal leads AAG’s brand and marketing strategy across Asia, driving strategic alignment, market access,
and sustainable growth. With over 22 years of experience, she blends deep expertise in marketing analytics with a strong focus on capability evelopment.
Meenal has successfully spearheaded high-impact growth initiatives for leading multinational corporations,
positioning her as a transformative leader in building brands, unlocking markets and shaping the next
generation of marketing professionals.
Capt. Vicente Casibang II
Country Manager, Philippines
As Country Manager of AAG Philippines, Capt. Vic oversees compliance, training, and business operations across AAG, AICAT, and AIMS. With a background as
an Air Force pilot, Airline Instructor Captain and A320 examiner, he has championed programs that advanced
aviation training standards. Capt. Vic also leads the Aviation School Association of the Philippines,
advocating for flight schools nationwide.
Cristopher Magdangal
Director for Indian Operations
Cris brings a distinguished 30-year leadership career,
including his role as former AAG Group COO, which
resulted in significant regional growth and organizational
impact. An Armed Forces veteran and recipient of the
Presidential Legion of Honor, he now applies his
visionary and strategic leadership to establish and
expand AAG’s presence throughout the high-potential
Indian market.
Bharath Suryanarayanan
Accountable Manager, India
Capt. Bharath is the Accountable Manager for
ACAT/AAG India, fully responsible for DGCA
compliance, Quality and Safety standards. An
experienced Pilot Trainer and founding team member,
he successfully established the ALSIM flight simulator
center and pioneered the CPL with BBA Aviation
program, significantly advancing flight training
standards in India.
Capt. Harris Magallanes
Head of Training, AAG PH
Capt. Harris Magallanes is leading A320 Type Rating training operations with a focus on safety, regulatory compliance and instructional excellence. An Airline Captain on the Airbus A330/ A340, Airbus A320
Family with over 16 years of experience, he brings extensive operational and
instructional expertise to AAG. Capt. Harris Magallanes holds a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Mechanic and completed Ab Initio Pilot Training at the Philippine Airlines Aviation School.
Capt. Neil Bugarin
Accountable Manager, AICAT
Capt “Bhog’z” is the current Accountable Manager of AICAT. With almost over three decades of aviation experience combined from military aviation, basic flight training and commercial airline operations. An
operations guy by nature and once a
dedicated flight instructor and a test pilot. Has taught basic flight training courses, techniques, tactics and procedures. Has shared his expertise, experience and wisdom with the next generation of pilots, emphasizing safety, professionalism, and airmanship
Capt. Gimby Cervania
Head of Training, AICAT
Capt. Gimby oversees all aspects of flight, synthetic, and ground training operations. He ensures full compliance with regulatory conditions governing AICAT’s approvals, supervises the maintenance and amendment of training manuals and leads the standardization of instructional staff to
align with global best practices. Capt. Gimby is an accomplished aviation professional with two decades of experience in flight operations, instruction and safety
management.
Renz Jason Dilag
Accountable Manager, AMO
As Accountable Manager of the Aircraft
Maintenance Organization (AMO) at AICAT, Renz ensures the organization’s full compliance with CAAP regulations, while overseeing operational safety, efficiency, and financial performance. He provides strategic direction and governance to maintain the highest standards of maintenance reliability and regulatory oversight. Renz is an accomplished aviation management professional with two decades
of experience in aircraft maintenance, safety and quality systems.
Capt. Stefan T. Schmidt
Group Head of Training and Safety Standards
Capt. Stefan, contracted from Harris Aviation, Germany, leads AAG’s training and safety standards, ensuring the
organization consistently meets and exceeds the highest global benchmarks. With 30+ years of aviation
experience, including senior regulatory roles with the Lufthansa Group, IATA, and EASA, he brings unparalleled expertise in operational oversight,
compliance, and curriculum innovation. His leadership is instrumental in shaping industry-leading aviators through rigorous training frameworks and forward-looking safety
practices.
Ayessa Bajamundi
Head of Quality and Compliance
Ayessa leads AAG’s Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance functions, ensuring adherence to international aviation standards and corporate
governance across all operations. With deep expertise in EASA, FAA, ICAO, and ISO 9001 frameworks, she drives strategic initiatives in quality systems, audits, and risk management. Ayessa has successfully led multiple regulatory audits with zero Level 1 findings
and spearheaded the integration of safety and compliance frameworks, elevating AAG’s global reputation for operational excellence.
Peh Teng Keng
Group Business Development Director
TK drives organizational growth by executing strategic expansions, identifying new markets, and forming vital partnerships. Drawing on 4,600+ flight hours and senior command experience, he translates high-stakes operational leadership into successful commercial initiatives, having established training centers globally and graduated over 400 airline pilots.
Maia Calderhead
Group Head of Human Resources
A strategic, people-centric HR leader with over 15 years of international experience across diverse industries. As a Group Head of Human Resources, Maia drives the organization’s talent strategy, ensuring alignment
between people initiatives and AAG’s business growth. She leads the design and implementation of high-impact
frameworks for employee engagement, performance, and leadership development, fostering a culture of
excellence and inclusivity. Recognized for spearheading group-wide retention and culture programs, Maia has
been instrumental in shaping a unified, future-ready workforce that supports long-term organizational success.
Maria Rufina Santos
Group Head of Student Affairs & Client Relations
Fina oversees the standardization and execution of all
Student Affairs and Client Relations (SACRE) processes
across all platforms. She manages the group-wide testing
and selection protocols, feedback processes, alumni
engagements programs and key stakeholder
communications. She has years of experience in Customer
Service Management and Student Relationship Fostering,
ensuring a holistic, quality-driven approach to client care
and student diversity. She holds a Master of Management
from the University of the Philippines and an Associate
Degree in Early Childhood Development at Mission College,
USA through a scholarship program.
Victor Dufort
Group Head for Simulator Training Systems
Victor oversees the operational readiness, safety, and lifecycle management of AAG’s global simulator fleet. He joined AAG in 2007 after more than 20 years at CAE Inc., where he led over 60 Level D simulator installations
worldwide, he has played a pivotal role in advancing AAG’s technical infrastructure. Victor’s leadership has
been key in establishing world-class maintenance programs and ensuring compliance with ICAO, EASA,
FAA, and CAAP standards—delivering safe, efficient, and future-ready training systems for pilots worldwide
Hugues Lemire
Simulator Maintenance Branch Head
With nearly three decades of experience in flight
simulation technology, Hugues oversees AAG’s
Simulator Maintenance operations, ensuring every
system performs with precision and reliability. He has
helped certify almost 50 simulators to EASA and FAA
standards and was instrumental in building AAG’s
Simulator Maintenance Department and digital
maintenance systems, strengthening the organization’s
reputation for training excellence
Steve Montambeault
Head of IT and Facilities
Steve Montambeault leads AAG’s IT and Facilities
operations, ensuring seamless integration between
digital infrastructure and physical environments. With
over 25 years of experience in aviation technology and
simulator maintenance, he has driven key digital
transformation initiatives, cybersecurity enhancements,
and inter-site infrastructure upgrades. A former CAE
simulation systems expert, Steve helped establish
AAG’s Simulator Maintenance Department and
continues to lead modernization programs that enhance
efficiency, reliability, and innovation across the
organization
Our Commitments
AAG Giving Back
At AAG, we believe our impact extends beyond aviation. We are dedicated to building a strong sense of community, both within our organization and with our partners, and we’re committed to using our expertise to contribute positively to the world around us.
Open Positions
At AAG, our people are our strongest asset. Explore current openings and apply to join the AAG family where we grow together.
Enjoy exclusive access to alumni events, networking opportunities, and engagement across the AAG global community.
AAG’s SNPL Programme allows aspiring pilots to begin their training journey without the pressure of upfront tuition. With flexible payment terms and financial assistance, qualified cadets can focus on developing their skills—while we help them navigate the path towards a successful aviation career.