NAIA TO HAVE CHANGES AS NNIC TAKEOVER ON SEPTEMBER 14

The formal takeover of NAIA is scheduled on September 14 by the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (Photo courtesy of Rappler)

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be turnover to its new operator on Saturday, September 14 to the San Miguel-led NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC). The overall operation of the country’s main gateway will be turnover to the private proponent.

It is set to begin its long-awaited rehabilitation that includes plans to reassign the airport terminals, to upgrade the IT system, landside and airside road improvements, passenger terminals expansion, and new parking facilities.

San Miguel Corporation chairman and CEO and concurrently NNIC president Ramon Ang promised improvements at the country’s main gateway which has been described as among the world’s worst. "We can begin the work of organizing our airport and giving Filipino people the world class facility they deserve."

NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez said within the first 3 to 12 months, they will upgrade the retail experience, and have a reliable internet connection, among others. Also add new toilets, air-conditioning units and seats, as well as repair elevators and escalators, and install glass tint to minimize heat transfer. 

After five years more developments will be seen as NNIC hopes to increase passenger capacity to 62 million from the current capacity of 35 million as data shows passengers are expected to reach over 50 million this year. 

On NNIC proposal, terminal 2 will only service domestic flights while terminal 1 will be used exclusively by flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) for its international flights. All the foreign airlines will operate at terminal 3, which will also host the international flights of Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines.

Domestic flights of Cebu Pacific will be moved to terminal 2 to join PAL’s, while AirAsia domestic flights will be moved to terminal 4. Terminal reassignment is seen to improve the efficiency of runway use, allowing the airport to accommodate more flights.

Meanwhile, the additional passenger fee increase will not be implemented until after a year has lapsed. "Based on the administrative order that was recently signed the implementation of the increase in the terminal fee will only take effect after one year. Eighty-two percent of the revenues other than passenger service charge will go to the government."

“NNIC will not disrupt current operations and will be business as usual. It will be a gradual process. That’s the best that we can do at this point in time,” Alvarez said. 

Source: Philippine News Agency 

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