GHD keen on entering transport, aviation sectors

Australia-based global professional services firm GHD is looking to expand its services in the transportation sector as it takes its cue from the government’s efforts to rehabilitate the country’s main airport.

GHD, which currently engages water and energy companies to provide engineering, environmental and architectural consultation services, said it was bullish on the growth of the transportation and aviation sectors.

“We’re seeing a lot of transport projects being developed in the country as well so that’s something we’re exploring at the moment,” GHD Philippines operations manager Lorraine Gomez told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

She added that they were also working with a ports client. Gomez did not disclose further details.The 90-year-old company has been particularly encouraged by the upcoming rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, saying that it could build confidence around further developing other airports across the country.

“These airports are very critical to the tourism industry. It’s something that needs attention as well because it’s very connected to the projected growth of the country from an economic perspective,” Gomez said.

She also noted that the Philippines was a prime location for technical talent that could provide advisory services for companies seeking to develop infrastructure.Currently, GHD mainly helps its clients assess the environmental impact of their projects, particularly energy firms seeking to put up more renewable energy facilities.The company, which has a 25-year presence in the Philippines, is likewise looking to aid more onshore and offshore wind developers in site selection and infrastructure development to further boost renewable energy capacity.

GHD has also worked with concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. in developing water treatment facilities with the help of its engineers and environmental scientists.

For now, Gomez said they were focused on beefing up manpower to achieve the company’s expansion targets.

“With the projected growth in these sectors, we’re looking at the possibility of doubling our resource space so we could serve more clients as they also grow in their particular sectors,” she added. INQ