The rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has officially started as a result of the government’s recent turnover of airport operations to the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) which is a San Miguel-led group, according to a news report by GMA Network. To be clear, the government still owns NAIA and the operations will be handed back by the private group many years from now. Over P140 billion will be invested on managing and improving the NAIA.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The government turned over Saturday the operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corp., setting in motion the rehabilitation of the Philippines’ main gateway.
In a news release, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said key officials of the agency and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) handed over the airport to its new private operator during a ceremony at NAIA’s Terminal 3.
“The baton has been passed and now it is our turn in NNIC to carry it forward to the finish line,” said NNIC general manager Lito Alvarez.
Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation Roberto Lim expressed support to NNIC, saying the takeover would be a precursor to a world-class and modernized NAIA.
“Today, we celebrate the competitive spirit of the winning consortium, which brings financial muscle, management expertise, and the technical operations strength and experience of Incheon Airport,” said Lim.
The turnover of NAIA’s rehabilitation, operations, and further development to NNIC, formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, is seen to boost the airport capacity to meet growing demand by handling more flights and passengers, while improving service quality and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
San Miguel-led NNIC is investing approximately P144 billion to manage and improve NAIA under a 15-year concession, extendable by 10 years, which would be contingent on meeting key performance targets.
The DOTr clarified that ownership of the airport will remain with the government. The agency said that at the end of the concession period, NNIC will return to the government the operations of NAIA.
The government signed the landmark concession agreement for the NAIA Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project on March 18.
Among the expected improvements in NAIA that the traveling public and other stakeholders can expect include expansion of the Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs), additional aircraft parking bays, increase in vehicular parking slots, installation of world-class systems and technology, more food and beverage (F&B) and retail options, more convenient land transport connectivity, among others.
Furthermore, flight delays and cancellations due issues with airport facilities are expected to be significantly reduced.
NNIC Chairman Ramon Ang said, “A world-class airport means more jobs, more tourists and a much more stronger and prosperous Philippines.“
The consortium is committing to modernize NAIA, increasing its capacity from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers. Air traffic movement is also expected to be increased from 40 movements per hour to 48.
The rehabilitation is expected to generate at least 58,000 jobs for Filipinos.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the NAIA operations will improve under the San Miguel-led group? Do you think this will lead to improved travel efficiency, convenience and comfort for millions of air travelers in the Philippines?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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