A former AirAsia Philippines Airbus A320, previously registered as RP-C3227, has found a new purpose as a training platform for airport emergency and aircraft rescue exercises at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The aircraft previously operated with Philippine Airlines until its lease ended in 2015 before joining AirAsia Philippines. It was eventually stored at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in 2020.
The retired A320 was recently used during the three-day Mactan Airport Crash and Rescue Exercise (MACREX 2026), organized by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority. The exercise involved multiple agencies and institutions practicing emergency response, firefighting, rescue and coordination procedures.
The aircraft’s new role provides emergency responders with a realistic environment to train for potential aviation accidents, helping strengthen preparedness and coordination at one of the Philippines’ major airports.