Read the graduation message of Hon. Jaime J. Bautista, Secretary of the Department of Transportation to the graduates and guests of FAA’s first graduation ceremonies:

Officials of First Aviation Academy, dear graduates, proud parents, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

Congratulations to the first 25 graduates of First Aviation Academy, I know only too well the hard work and sacrifices you must have put into becoming a pilot, which must be a childhood’s dream for many of you.

The aviation industry is taking the lead in the post-pandemic global economic rebound. Airlines can’t hardly cope with the surge of revenge travel most pronounced this holiday season. We expect the return of healthy competition in the airline industry as carriers rapidly expand their route networks.

Eventually the demand for additional pilots will put a strain on airline operations. This is why the first batch of graduates of this flying school comes just at the right time. Your success today caps the long and hard sacrifices of your parents and families, who believed in your dream to soar the skies. Make them proud by staying committed to your new profession. Very soon, many of you will join the roster of pilots of big commercial carriers.

Keep your feet on the ground when begin to fly those complex machines. Stay focused. Stay humble. You have acquired the necessary skills that make you worthy of your wings but you also need to keep your values in check always.

I wish you the best years as a pilot. Make your family proud. Make your instructors and officials of First Aviation Academy proud. Again, congratulations.