A “super consortium” composed of the country’s seven largest conglomerates is being formed to undertake the rehabilitation, modernization and expansion of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, industry sources said.
Sources said the seven groups were planning to work together to finally have the important infrastructure project implemented.
The seven groups include Ayala Corp., LT Group Inc., Filinvest Group, JG Summit Holdings Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Megaworld Corp., sources said.
Metro Pacific president Jose Ma. K. Lim confirmed the plan in a text message.
“The idea is being discussed, but we have not formally agreed on anything at this point,” Lim said.
These groups previously expressed interest in Naia redevelopment. Sources said the consortium did not include SM group this time, because the latter has a pending unsolicited proposal for the P50-billion new international airport and seaport at Sangley Point, Cavite.
San Miguel Corp., which has a separate P700-billion unsolicited bid for the Bulacan airport project, is also not included in the consortium.
The National Economic and Development Authority approved the redevelopment Naia last year. The project had an indicative cost of P74.56 billion or $1.65 billion.
Under the plan, the private sector partner will improve, upgrade and enhance the operational efficiencies of all existing terminals of Naia, covering both landside and airside (except air traffic services), to meet the International Civil Aviation Organizationstandards and develop the main gateway airport.
The Transportation Department, as implementing agency, has yet to issue an invitation to bid for the major project. The government is also open for unsolicited proposals for new airport projects to address concerns of air congestion in Manila.
Various groups called for the immediate expansion and upgrade of Naia which is currently congested because of increased passenger traffic.
Naia accounts for nearly 90 percent of all domestic passengers in the Philippines and more than 80 percent of all international passengers. It handled 39.5 million passengers in 2016, higher than its designed capacity of 31 million passengers annually.
