Caesars Palace wants to build $1.5-B centre in PH, help redesign NAIA

MANILA, Philippines – Caesars Palace, US casino mogul, is eyeing a 30-hectare government-owned parcel of idle land next to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 for a proposed $1.5-billion integrated casino-resort entertainment centre.

To sweeten the deal, the casino giant said that it is even willing to assist in redesigning the NAIA, which has received much flack for being voted the “World’s Worst Airport” in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Steven Tight, Caesars president for international development, said in a statement that due to the expected influx of as many as 3.5 million visitors when the proposed casino-resort is operational.

As such, changes must be made to step-up the airport’s efficiency.

Tight said that the company will be bringing in foreign experts to give their input on redesigning NAIA, and to provide advice so as to maximize the number of flights on NAIA’s existing runways.

According to Tight, the number of flights at NAIA can be increased by constructing a new control tower, equipped with advanced technology, able to guide aircraft as much as 150 miles away. Presently, the equipment at NAIA’s control tower can only guide aircraft at a maximum distance of 50 miles away. The advanced technology would allow for more take-offs and landings of craft.

Aside from a new control tower and better equipment, additional high-speed exits for aircraft have also been recommended by the experts, Tight said. This would allow for a faster clearing of the runway after the vessel lands, thereby shortening the waiting time for the next aircraft to land or take off.

Additionally, the experts will make a proposal on a light railway transit between NAIA terminals 1 and 2.

In his proposal for Caesars Palace entry into the Philippines, Tight said that the casino-resort would create 20,000 new jobs, at the onset. Furthermore, it would make the country a major tourist destination; much as Macau has become since the establishment of global gaming brands in 2004.