Government investing heavily on airport infra

Government is investing more in the aviation sector to provide comfortable travel to passengers and international tourists, Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.

Sec. Bautista said passengers should expect improved and better experience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airort (NAIA) as the airport’s operation and maintenance will be turned over to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. in September.

“The government is investing more in airport infrastructure. I’m sure you’re aware that the operations and maintenance of the Manila International Airport will be turned over to the private sector a month from now,” Sec. Bautista said.

Sec. Bautista pointed out that facilities at the NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 will undergo massive overhaul once the consortium headed by San Miguel Corp. takes over the airport’s operations and maintenance.

“Expect that there will be many changes, many improvements of the facilities and terminals—particularly Terminals 1, 2 and 3,” he said.

The transport chief stressed the benefits of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), as exemplified by the highly efficient operations at the Clark International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The transport chief said the airports in Laguinduingan and Bohol are also scheduled to be operated and maintained by private concessionaires under the PPP scheme.

“Soon, Laguinduingan and Bohol airports will be turned over to the private sector, so that passengers will have a positive experience especially foreign travelers and tourists here in the country,” Sec. Bautista said.

“DOTr is also working with other private companies to operate and maintain other airports in the country,” he added. “This is our contribution to the aviation sector.”