NNIC takes over NAIA, begins ambitious world-class plans

MANILA: The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) officially took over the management and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Saturday and with it, the task of modernizing the 76-year-old gateway. NNIC, the consortium that includes San Miguel Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation of South Korea, has committed to spend PHP170 billion to execute its phased but ambitious plan to elevate NAIA to world-class standards. This includes plans to increase passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour. The government stands to gain about PHP1 trillion in revenues from the public-private partnership over the 25-year concession period, including the the 82.16-percent revenue share to be remitted to the government yearly. Travelers can expect business as usual, with flights, check-ins, and other services proceeding as normal. The plans for NAIA's modernization, including terminal reassignments and infrastructure upgrades, will be implemented gradually and strategically in the coming months and years. NNIC has assured the public that the transition will be seamless, with no disruptions to airport operations. Among the expected changes are: Within 3 to 6 months: Functional escalators and toilets, stable power and water, improved air conditioning, upgraded baggage handling, faster passenger processing, more seating, enhanced WiFi; Within 3 years: Runway improvements, increased terminal capacity, improved commercial spaces, better traffic flow, direct link from NAIA Terminal 3 to the Skyway system; Long-term: New terminal building to accommodate an additional 35 million passengers annually; flood mitigation in surrounding areas; linkage to the Metro Manila Subway. NNIC president Ramon S. Ang acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the consortium's ability to deliver. 'We ask the public for their patience. This will take time, but we will work hard to make quick improvements within the first three to si x months,' Ang said in a statement. 'With continued support and cooperation from the government, airlines, passengers, and airport staff, we can achieve all our targets and transform NAIA into an airport every Filipino can be proud of,' he added. Source: Philippines News Agency