The North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC) is pouring an estimated project cost of P6 billion to fit out the new terminal it will build at Clark International Airport (CRK). The new terminal will have a capacity of eight million passengers yearly, doubling the current capacity of the existing terminal.
Last December, the consortium—comprised of Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. (PAGSS), and Changi Airport Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd. (CAP)—was awarded the 25-year P5.61 billion concession for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the existing and the proposed new passenger terminal buildings at CRK.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International (CAI), CAP was incorporated to focus on the Philippines, similar to the way CAI has set up other companies for its airports in other countries as part of its global business, NLAC said in a statement.
In turn, CAI is the wholly owned investment and consultancy subsidiary of the Changi Airport Group, the operator of Changi Airport in Singapore, the most awarded airport in the world.
CAP qualified for the project under the requirement set out in the Instructions to Bidder, which stated that the entity, to meet the O&M experience requirement, may be an affiliate of a consortium member. NLAC said it plans “to leverage technology where possible, to enhance productivity, build a culture of service excellence and provide training to ensure the processes and services are delivered correctly.”
NLAC will draw on the experience of airport professionals from CAI and Changi Airport Group. Together, the two have a global experience that spans over 20 countries and more than 50 airports.
“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,” CAI chief executive officer Lim Liang Song said.
“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,” Song added.
NLAC said it is set to promote CRK as the Northern and Central Luzon Gateway Airport by actively engaging strategic partners like tourism authorities and airlines 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. The airport will be the Northern and Central Luzon’s gateway, connecting the region to the rest of the Philippines and the world,” Filinvest president and CEO 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,” JG Summit president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said.
Aside from this, NLAC believes the project will boost employment once it begins.
“We are very optimistic of the different business and employment opportunities for the local residents that the new Clark International Airport will provide. We are confident that this project will serve the vision of the government’s Build, Build, Build program,” Yap added.
The consortium will also tap the expertise of PAGSS “to provide excellent ground handling services that meet and exceed international standards.”
The fitting out of the new terminal is targeted to be completed one year from the turnover of the terminal.
