The International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines on Wednesday threw its support behind the Bulacan International Airport project proposed by a consortium led by San Miguel Corp., a day after another group pushed for the rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Both groups issued their statements in the wake of the congestion problem at Naia caused by an incident involving a Xiamen Air flight that left thousands of passengers stranded for days at Naia.
“After carefully studying all airport proposals today, we strongly believe that San Miguel Corp.’s New Manila International Airport proposal is the best for the Philippines,” ICCP founding chairman Francis Chua said.
San Miguel’s unsolicited project would not cost the government anything and would not require any subsidy or guarantee. San Miguel proposed to build a futuristic “aerotropolis” with up to four parallel runways”•which can be expanded further to six.
With capacity for 60 aircraft movements per runway per hour, the new airport will eliminate all congestion issues and significantly raise the country’s attractiveness as tourism and investment destination in the region, according to ICCP.
Chua said the project’s modern air terminals and cargo facilities, along with a seaport and industrial zone, would make it strategically focused on increasing growth opportunities for the country, and providing more convenience for travelers.
It is also the best option when it comes to accessibility, he said. Located just north of Metro Manila in Bulakan town, Bulacan province or some 27 kilometers from the present Naia, the new airport would be accessible within 45 minutes or less from anywhere in Metro Manila via multiple expressways.
Chua said many of the needed infrastructure components were already existing, such as the Skyway and its ongoing extension projects, and the North Luzon Expressway.
Also under construction is the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 and MRT-7 road, which would connect to the proposed Airport Expressway.
A shoreline expressway from the Naia Expressway cutting through Manila and Navotas straight to the New Manila International Airport was also proposed.
The ICCP said the latest airline incident at Naia again put the Philippines at a pathetic situation vis-a-via competitiveness and infrastructure issues.
“The recent debacle at the Naia is a black eye for our country. It could not have come at a more critical time, when the Duterte administration has been making solid gains on many fronts crucial to the Philippines’ continuing growth story,” Chua said.
He said the recent disaster brought to clearer light the inherent problems of Naia and why would no longer be sustainable as the country’s main gateway.
The ICCP said with just two intersecting runways and virtually no space for additional runways, Naia “cannot serve the needs of our growing economy and population, much less be a catalyst for economic growth.”
“It’s about time we have a truly world-class airport we can all be proud of”•one that will rival the best in the region and the world. Our country needs it, and our people deserve it,” Chua said.