Consortium Revives Bid For Modernization Of NAIA: 'We Envision A World-Class Airport'

A consortium of top Filipino businessmen revived calls to improve the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the tune of P100 Billion.

"We envision a truly world-class airport befitting the beauty of the Philippines: one where congestion, reliability issues and unpleasant passenger experiences will become a thing of the past," Kevin Tan, CEO of Alliance Global, said in a report published by Forbes.

The pitch is backed by Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Asia's Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance Global-Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and Global Infrastructure Partners.

The business group said the unsolicited proposal is aimed at modernizing NAIA to cater to increasing air traffic demand. The P100 billion offer includes a "significant upfront payment to the government," the outlet said.

"We are ready to put our combined resources forward in partnering with the government on this massive undertaking," MIAC director and Alliance Global CEO Kevin Tan said in this Manila Times report. "Our consortium brings unrivalled expertise, proven solutions and extensive capital."

"As the only large-scale operating gateway airport to the Philippines, the modernization and long-term sustainability of NAIA is a critical development priority for both the country's public and private sectors," he added.

Last month, the senate ruled out sabotage and cyberattack during the January 1 power outage that put some 280 flights on hold affecting a total of 60,000 passengers in NAIA. Senators said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) should focus on upgrading important equipment to prevent similar incidents. Senator Grace Poe also noted that the country lacks a Master Contingency Plan during air traffic glitches.

The consortium maintains that the upgrading of NAIA will allow the airport to serve up to 62.5 million passengers annually by 2028. The group noted that in 2019, NAIA served 48 million passengers in total.

"We envision a truly world-class airport befitting the beauty of the Philippines: one where congestion, reliability issues, and unpleasant passenger experiences will become things of the past," Tan said.

"We submit this proposal united in the belief that our gateway to the world needs to represent the best of who we are as Filipinos," Josephine Gotianum Yap, CEO of Filinvest Development also said.