Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. said it will collaborate with airlines to introduce international flights at Laguindingan International Airport.
“We see potential in international flights and want to work closely with the airlines in realizing this dream. We will also work closely with our tourism stakeholders to see how we can further market the offerings of Misamis Oriental and develop a longer-term roadmap,” Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president and head of Airports Business said.
“Further, we want to work closely with local and international stakeholders to induce a collaborative and conducive environment for investors,” he added.
The company earlier signed the concession agreement to upgrade, operate, and maintain Laguindingan International Airport located in Misamis Oriental.
“Laguindingan International Airport is a pivotal milestone in our strategic mission to elevate the country’s aviation infrastructure. It underscores Aboitiz InfraCapital’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient passenger experience, and more importantly, driving economic growth in Northern Mindanao by boosting connectivity and tourism,” Cosette V. Canilao, AIC president and chief executive said.
“Laguindingan is the gateway to Northern Mindanao, and a good airport will mean a broader business base for Laguindingan and Misamis Oriental. We are more than ready to take Laguindingan International Airport to new heights,” Canilao added.
Laguindingan International Airport is the first successful airport public-private partnership project awarded via unsolicited bid under the current administration.
Under the P12.75 billion concession agreement signed in Malacañan Palace last October 28, 2024 by Canilao, Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo, AIC will undertake the development and modernization of Laguindingan International Airport over a 30-year period after the official turnover in April 2025.
This includes renovating and expanding the passenger terminal, installing modern equipment, and enhancing airside and landside facilities. These improvements aim to significantly enhance passenger experience, boost operational efficiency, and elevate safety and security standards at the airport.
Meanwhile, expansion plans will be undertaken in two phases, increasing Laguindingan International Airport’s design capacity from the current 1.6 mppa to 3.9 mppa for the first phase and up to 6.3 mppa for the second phase, depending on traffic demand.
Laguindingan International Airport, the country’s sixth-busiest airport and Mindanao’s second-busiest gateway after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, will be the latest addition to AIC’s growing airports portfolio and marks a significant milestone in AIC’s strategic expansion in the aviation sector.
AIC is known for operating the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which has set new benchmarks for airport operations in the Philippines and whose Terminal 2 recently received a prestigious 4-star rating from globally renowned aviation consultancy Skytrax.
Earlier this year, MCIA unveiled several key best practices, including the Silent Airport plan, seen to mitigate noise pollution and foster a serene atmosphere for travelers; the operation of Bridge-Mounted Equipment consisting of fixed-power units and pre-conditioned air units services that cut fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions; and Cebu Connect, MCIA’s airport transfer service designed to facilitate efficient and seamless inter-airport transfers, giving travelers a more convenient travel and enjoyable experience.
MCIA also recently partnered with Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East to develop a comprehensive framework of environmentally sustainable initiatives to achieve MCIA’s Net Zero emissions goals.
