By Aerol John Pateña/PNA
MANILA — The consortium managing the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Clark International Airport is eyeing to allocate PHP6 billion for the improvement of its new terminal building, which is expected to serve around 8 million passengers or double the current capacity of its existing terminal.
The North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC) is confident that the improvement in the facilities of Clark Airport will lead to economic growth in the Northern and Central Luzon regions.
“We are honoured to be given the opportunity to participate in the development of Clark International Airport. We believe in the potential of the Philippines and the Luzon region. Together with our partners and with the support of key stakeholders, we will develop Clark as the region’s premier gateway,” said Lim Liang Song, CEO of Changi Airports International, in a statement on Friday.
“Building on the airport’s geographical position and catchment, we will grow the airport’s network and provide passengers with a superior airport experience including a brand new commercial area. In addition to global brands, the new airport terminal will also have a curated selection of retail and food and beverage outlets that showcases the best of what the Philippines has to offer,” he added.
The consortium, which is comprised of Changi Airport Philippines Pte. Ltd., Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings, Inc., and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc., will manage and operate Clark airport’s existing terminal and its new terminal building.
The NLAC envisions to promote Clark International Airport as the Northern and Central Luzon Gateway Airport through its partnerships with tourism authorities and airline carriers to increase traffic, build a wider network and establish connectivity to Clark with more domestic and international flights.
“With the new Clark International Airport, travelers and visitors can expect to be greeted with fast, efficient and hassle-free service. We believe that the ease in travel in a world-class airport will help boost the region’s tourism industry and related businesses. It is NLAC’s vision to redefine the air travel experience at Clark International Airport. The airport will be the Northern and Central Luzon’s gateway, connecting the region to the rest of the Philippines and the world,” according to Josephine Gotianun-Yap, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation.
“We are very optimistic about the prospects of Clark International Airport, and will do our part to support its growth by providing a world-class gateway airport. With our Group’s experience in airline operations, property development and our various consumer-oriented businesses, we will provide the best service and value proposition to both passengers and airlines to make Clark International their airport of choice,” Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of JG Summit Holdings Inc., said.
The construction of the new terminal, which started in December 2017 is expected to be completed by 2020.
The NLAC bagged the O&M of the Clark International Airport last December after the other bidder, X-Droid Consortium – which is made up of Indonesia’s Angkasa Pura II, Globalport 900, Mazy Capital, and Desco – was disqualified during the bidding conducted in November.
The notice of award was given to NLAC by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority for a hybrid Public Private Partnership project with a 25-year concession period.
