Portuguese airport technology company Amadeus is keen on developing a commercial airport in Casiguran, Aurora, following initial discussions with the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO).
APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway announced plans to visit Portugal by May 2025 to meet with the airport developer.
“Honorary consul for Portugal Ramon Garcia Jr. has been instrumental in connecting us with the Portuguese company,” he said.
Amadeus expressed interest in a joint venture for airport development, but emphasized that right-of-way and land acquisition issues should be resolved by APECO.
The current airstrip in Casiguran spans only 1.365 kilometers, which is insufficient to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A320. Expansion, including possible land reclamation, is necessary.
“We are allocating funds for this in our proposed 2026 budget, but at the same time, we are seeking private sector partnerships,” Taway said.
He said Garcia also confirmed that Amadeus is open to working with another private firm for the airport’s expansion.
The airport has an airstrip, but lacks the necessary operational permits, an air navigation system, an air traffic control tower and a terminal building. These deficiencies restrict the use of the facilities, which are not even fit for charter flights.
With Aurora welcoming about 2.5 million tourists annually, 25 percent visit Casiguran. APECO sees the airport as a key driver for economic growth. The development is expected to support tourism initiatives and facilitate joint projects with local resort owners. Othel V. Campos
APECO is also taking steps to revive long-abandoned infrastructure projects to maximize economic potential.
Taway shifted from joint ventures to memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with current locators for faster project execution, specifically J-PEC Development Corporation, Korean entertainment investor T&D Asia Pacific Entertainment, and unfinished hotels by Indus Pacifica and Asia Pacific Dragon.
“It’s a waste if properties are left to decay. We explored legal options and decided on MOAs to speed things up,” he said.