The modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is expected to bolster air travel, tourism and the overall Philippine economy.
Executives of AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) lauded San Miguel Corp. and the government for addressing NAIA’s current shortcomings.
By Sept. 14, New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) will begin a series of renovations and upgrades.
Angelito Alvarez, general manager of NNIC, said that within the first three to 12 months, the company would start adding new toilets and refurbish existing comfort rooms.
Alvarez said NNIC would install additional air-conditioned units, reliable high-speed internet, additional seating capacity in the terminals and repair walkalators, escalators and elevators.
Within four to five years, NNIC will increase the NAIA terminal capacity from 35 million to 62 million passengers per annum, , connect Terminal 3 to Metro Manila Subway and increase aircraft movement from 40 to 48 movements per hour.
“With the privatization of NAIA, we will continue to give the same support to the new management. We will collaborate with NNIC to help ensure that its plans for major upgrades will make the airport more efficient and passenger-friendly – and a vehicle for growth for air travel, tourism and the Philippine economy,” Capt. Stanley Ng, president and chief operating officer of PAL, said.
“Philippine Airlines will be a strong and active partner, as we – and the 14 million passengers who fly with us annually – have the most at stake in the all-out drive to make Manila’s airport a great Asian hub. We look forward to the implementation of solutions to the needs of airlines, passengers and shippers alike,” Ng said.
Ng said NAIA is not just the gateway to the Philippines – it is the gateway to Asia from global markets in North America and Australia.
“More than any airline, PAL is committed to making good use of the gateway and creating success for the Philippines as a true aviation hub,” he said.
Ricky Isla, chief executive of AirAsia Philippines, expressed support in revitalizing and transforming the aging airport into a very modern and efficient gateway for Filipinos and foreign visitors.
“At AirAsia we share a vision with the NNIC that goes beyond moving from one place to another. This is more of improving customer journey,” he said.
Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific, expressed excitement with San Miguel’s plans to rehabilitate NAIA.
“The NAIA privatization and the upcoming of New Manila International Airport in Bulacan would be game changers to address greater capital region demand,” he said.
The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) and Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) expressed their support for the NNIC, which is set to take over the maintenance and operations of NAIA.
The associations noted, however, that passengers may expect adjustments in travel costs once new airport fees are implemented.
“We are eager to engage with NNIC and the government to address the potential adverse effects on travel demand and to ensure that the interests of both airlines and passengers are represented. We look forward to positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the course of the transition to privatized airport management,” ACAP said.
Terminal reassignment
Alvarez also assured the public that airport operations would continue as usual upon their takeover. “Any future changes or improvements, including terminal reassignments, will be implemented gradually and strategically,” he said.
Alvarez said terminal reassignments would not be a sudden, one-time event, but rather a carefully-planned and phased process done in close coordination with airline stakeholders.
These changes are part of a broader plan to modernize the airport and elevate the overall passenger experience.
He said NAIA travelers could expect a smooth transition with minimal disruptions as NNIC focus on gradual improvements and phased terminal changes over time.
Cebu Pacific said it fully supports the long-term vision of the NNIC, including the planned terminal re-assignments. However, it is vital that all necessary operational support and systems are in place before any terminal changes are implemented, it said.
“To ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to passengers, a thorough consultative process and sufficient preparation time are essential for every terminal transfer,” CEB said.
“In Singapore, it took us a year of discussions and coordination with both parties before we moved to Changi Airport Terminal 4 from the low-cost carrier terminal. This illustrates the critical need for comprehensive planning and cooperation in such transitions,” it said.
AirAsia Philippines said terminal reassignment requires careful planning, including time and motion studies, consideration of environmental factors, and adequate time for implementation to minimize disruptions, especially as we are also nearing the peak season.
“As we await further thorough consultation with NNIC and other airport stakeholders on the plans to be implemented at the airport, we advise our guests to follow the current terminal assignments as listed on their travel itineraries,” it said.
AirAsia Philippines operates all domestic flights via Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 for international flights.
