Consortium spending P6B to modernize Clark airport, double terminal capacity
The consortium that recently bagged the Clark International Airport concession—the triumvirate consisting of the Gokongwei, Gotianun and Singaporean airport operator Changi—committed to invest about P6 billion in modernizing this international gateway and doubling the terminal capacity to eight million passengers a year.
Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. and Changi Airport Philippines Pte. Ltd. (CAP), a subsidiary of Changi Airports International, formed the North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC) to undertake this project. The notice of award was given to NLAC for this hybrid public-private partnership project covered by a 25-year concession by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) in December 2018.
NLAC is seen to leverage technology, enhance productivity, build a culture of service excellence and provide training to ensure the processes and services are delivered correctly, consortium members FDC and JG Summit said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday.
The consortium is seem to draw on the experienced airport professionals of Changi Airports International and Changi Airport Group. Together, they have experience in more than 50 airports in over 20 countries.
“We are honored 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, chief executive officer of Changi Airports International.
“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.
NLAC intends to promote Clark International as the Northern and Central Luzon Gateway Airport by actively engaging strategic partners like tourism authorities and airlines. The consortium also vowed to grow traffic and build a wider route network, and establish connectivity to Clark with more domestic and international points.
“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,” FDC president and chief executive officer Josephine Gotianun-Yap said.
“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,” said Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of JG Summit Holdings.
