A Glimpse of FEATI History

Summary

This video recounts the remarkable journey of Fiati University, which began as the Iloilo Negros Air Express Company (INAEC) founded by the Lopez brothers in 1932. From pioneering the Philippine airline industry, INAEC expanded its focus to aeronautics education, eventually evolving into Fiati University. The institution grew through the decades, excelling in science, technology, aviation, and other fields. Notable milestones include the launch of the first Philippine-made glider and innovations in aviation technology. Despite challenges, Fiati continues to thrive, recognized for its exceptional academic programs and producing top graduates in various fields.

Takeaways

• ✈️ In 1932, brothers Eugenio and Fernando Lopez, alongside cousins Victoria Lopez de Araneta and Don Salvador Z. Araneta, founded the Iloilo Negros Air Express Company (INAEC), marking the beginning of the Philippines' airline industry.
• 🛫 INAEC's first flight took place on February 1, 1933, from Iloilo to Manila using a Stinson Dry Motor aircraft.
• 📜 INAEC was granted a 30-year franchise, allowing it to expand routes to cities like Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga by 1937.
• 🛩️ Despite being destroyed during World War II, INAEC's entrepreneurial spirit persisted, leading to the rebranding as Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated (FEATI).
• 🎓 FEATI established the Far Eastern School of Aeronautics in 1946, ensuring a steady supply of qualified aircraft mechanics and engineers.
• 🏫 The school expanded and became FEATI Institute of Technology, offering more courses in science, technology, and aviation.
• 🚀 FEATI made history by building the first Philippine-made glider in 1949, marking significant advancements in aviation education.
• 🧑‍🎓 Many FEATI graduates became commissioned officers in the Philippine Air Force, confirming its excellence in education.
• 📡 FEATI continued innovating, launching a locally made robot named General Maris in 1961 and opening the first licensed TV station in the Philippines by 1959.
• 🏅 In 2013, FEATI University received recognition for its outstanding performance in the aeronautical engineering licensure exams and continues to excel in maritime education and engineering programs.

Q & A

Who were the key founders of the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Company (INAEC)?

The key founders of INAEC were brothers Eugenio and Fernando Lopez, along with their cousins Victoria Lopez de Araneta and Don Salvador Z. Araneta.

When was INAEC's inaugural flight, and what route did it follow?

INAEC's inaugural flight was on February 1, 1933, and it flew from Iloilo to Manila using a Stinson dry motor aircraft.

How did INAEC expand its operations after its initial success?

INAEC expanded its operations by acquiring a 30-year franchise from the Philippine legislator, allowing it to operate routes between Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga by 1937.

What impact did World War II have on INAEC's operations?

During World War II, INAEC's fleet was completely destroyed in Iloilo, but the company later bounced back under a new name, Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated (FEATI).

What was the Far Eastern School of Aeronautics, and why was it established?

The Far Eastern School of Aeronautics was established on March 4, 1946, to train 300 students as competent aircraft mechanics and engineers, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the company.

When was FEATI Institute of Technology incorporated, and who became its first president?

FEATI Institute of Technology was incorporated on June 6, 1946, and Don Salvador Z. Araneta became its first president.

What were some of the notable accomplishments of FEATI Institute of Technology in the late 1940s?

In 1949, FEATI made history by launching the first Philippine-made glider, piloted by Major Henry Miter. Additionally, it attracted experts in jet propulsion, electronics, and radar technology from the United States.

What innovations and achievements occurred during Dr. Victoria Lopez de Araneta's leadership at FEATI?

Under Dr. Victoria Lopez de Araneta's leadership, many graduates of FEATI became commissioned officers in the Philippine Air Force, and Dr. Porfirio Zara invented an alcohol-based aircraft engine, marking another first in the school's history.

What significant growth and milestones did FEATI University experience in the 1960s?

In the 1960s, FEATI University experienced record enrollment of 45,000 students in one school year, launched a locally made robot called 'General Maris' in 1961, and maintained its momentum despite the turbulent decade.

What are some recent accomplishments of FEATI University in the 21st century?

In 2013, FEATI University was awarded a certificate of recognition for its aeronautical engineering licensure examinees, and its College of Maritime Education remains the top institution in the National Capital Region.