Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., the infrastructure unit of the Aboitiz Group, has obtained an original proponent status from the Department of Transportation to operate and maintain the future development and expansions of the New Bohol International Airport.
“In line with AIC’s commitment to support the Philippine government’s efforts in advancing infrastructure within the country, we look forward to moving ahead with our proposal to provide a long-term solution for the operations, maintenance and future expansions of the New Bohol Airport,” AIC president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz said.
“Our vision is to transform the New Bohol Airport into a prime example of excellence and efficiency for regional gateways,” he added.
The new airport, located on Panglao Island, aims to replace the current airport in Tagbilaran City, which is currently serving under one million passengers a year. With a much larger capacity, the New Bohol International Airport will be a key catalyst in unlocking the tourism potential of Bohol and the rest of the region.
The OPS grant is a crucial step toward AIC’s partnership with the government to develop world-class infrastructure and establish a high standard for regional airport operation.
“We believe our proposal provides an expedient and comprehensive solution for the immediate and long-term needs of the New Bohol International Airport. We also remain committed and ready to support the government in its initiative to develop and enhance other regional airports throughout the country,” Aboitiz said.
The DOTr t earlier turned down the proposal of Aboitiz InfraCapital to operate, maintain and expand the Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and New Bohol International Airport (Panglao) following a policy change.
Besides AIC, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. offered to develop and maintain the Davao International Airport.
Transportation Undersecretary for planning Ruben Reinoso, meanwhile, said there were no unsolicited offers from the private sector to develop and operate the Bacolod-Silay International Airport, the Iloilo International Airport, and Laguindingan Airport.
“These airports would be auctioned off by the government, hopefully, this year,” he said.
The Regional Airport PPP Projects were originally approved under a bundled PPP structure by the Investment Coordination Committee and the National Economic and Development Authority board.
The Neda board later approved the unbundling of the five airport projects in November 2016.
The five provincial airports in the PPP are the P20.26-billion Bacolod-Silay International Airport, the P30.4-billion Iloilo International Airport, the P14.62-billion Laguindingan Airport, the P2.34-billion New Bohol (Panglao) Airport and the P40.57-billion Davao International Airport.
