SMC group all set to take over Naia on Sept 14

Ramon Ang (Photo by Tyrone Piad)

The Ramon Ang-led New Naia (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) is all set to take over the maintenance and operations of the country’s primary gateway next month, identifying terminal reassignment of airlines and construction of an off-ramp linking the Naia Expressway (Naiax) to the airport as priority plans to improve passenger experience.

The San Miguel Corp. chief executive said in a media briefing in his headquarters in Pasig that they were looking into implementing new terminal assignments for local and foreign airlines before Nov. 1, over a month after the scheduled takeover of the consortium on Sept. 14.

READ: Improve Naia before raising fees

Ang said this would improve the efficiency of runway use, allowing the airport to accommodate more flights. Under the concession agreement with the government, the tycoon’s consortium is tasked with increasing the number of aircraft movements or takeoffs and landings per hour from 41 flights to 48 flights.

No specific terminal assignments have been set yet. After the initial implementation, Ang said they would evaluate if further changes would be needed.

At present, Naia terminal 1 is exclusively for international flights while terminals 2 and 4 are for domestic operations. Terminal 3 accommodates both local and international flights.

Improved traffic

Meanwhile, Ang shared that an off-ramp connecting Naiax to Naia terminal 3 is expected to be completed next year to improve the flow of traffic going in and out of the the airport. The project is estimated to cost P3 billion to P5 billion.

The permit to proceed with project had already been secured from the Toll Regulatory Board, Ang said. Utilities—like water lines and electric posts—are now being relocated to pave the way for the construction.

Following NNIC’s takeover of Naia, Ang said they would also focus first on repairing the elevators, escalators, toilets and air-conditioning units.

The San Miguel-led group also intends to place self check-in counters and upgrade the baggage handling system to improve travel experience.

“You will experience a better airport,” he vowed.

The group also plans to build a new passenger terminal building with an annual capacity of 35 million passengers. It will rise at the site of the Philippine Village Hotel, an abandoned hotel owned by Manila International Airport Authority in Pasay City.

Airport fees

Meanwhile, Ang clarified that the imminent airport fee hike was in line with its terms of reference set by the government during the bidding process—and not based on their own numbers.

He explained the additional cost was estimated by the government and its consultants for the Naia rehabilitation project.

Last month, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that terminal fees would increase from around P500 to P550 at present to P950 next year. Bautista said the hike was needed to compensate NNIC for its upcoming investments in the P170.6-billion airport upgrade project.

Consumer groups have been voicing out their concerns about the price hike as this can make plane tickets pricier as well.

NNIC won the Naia rehab contract in February. Apart from SMC, its members are RLW Aviation Development Inc., RMM Asian Logistics Inc. and South Korean airport operator Incheon International Airport Corp.