MacroAsia offers to build cargo terminal at NAIA

Lucio Tan-led MacroAsia Corp. plans to make an offer for the construction of an integrated cargo terminal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The company said it might submit an unsolicited proposal to the government for this project.

“Definitely, there’s a need for something like this in the Philippines,” MacroAsia president Joseph Chua told reporters over the weekend.

The Manila International Airport Authority operates an International Cargo Terminal for freight processing, handling and holding. However, this is located right beside the old NAIA Terminal 1 and away from all other passenger terminals in the airport complex.

“As you know, airlines make money not only through their passenger business but also from cargo,” Chua said.

Chua said that since the only cargo facility was located near the NAIA Terminal 1, any freight to be carried by airlines at the other terminals would still have to be brought there by trucks.

Chua said this was the reason why NAIA Terminal 3 is currently being used by budget airlines. “It’s only being used as a low-cost terminal instead of a full service facility,” he added.—Paolo G. Montecillo