New NAIA operator to help CAAP upgrade facilities, improve manpower

By Ma. Cristina Arayata, Philippine News Agency

FILE: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officials met New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC), the new operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), on 19 September 2024 to discuss the ongoing modernization project aimed at revitalizing and elevating the country’s main gateway to world-class standards. (Photo: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines/Facebook)

In a news release Monday, the CAAP said its officials met with the NNIC –the consortium that won the operation and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) –and discussed possible collaborations.

“CAAP and NNIC officials discussed critical airport operations and infrastructure projects that include improvements of taxiways, weather and lighting systems, and air traffic control facilities. These upgrades are essential for ensuring smoother operations and increasing the number of aircraft movements at NAIA,” the CAAP said.

The two groups also explored potential collaboration towards human capital development “to address the country’s growing demand for air navigation professionals and emergency service staff.”

The NNIC, which took over NAIA operations last Sept. 14, has expressed support for extensive training programs for Air Traffic Service and Air Navigation Service personnel, the CAAP said.

To recall, on Jan. 1 last year, hundreds of flights were either canceled or delayed due to a Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic (CNS/ATM) system glitch, affecting thousands of passengers.

Another system glitch due to a “software issue” affected over 9,200 passengers last May.

The CNS/ATM enables aircraft to transmit accurate locations for takeoffs, landings and air traffic control.

Meanwhile, CAAP said the NNIC has pledged to contribute to the refurbishment of the Civil Aviation Training Center, including the purchase of new tower simulators.

Both parties also recognized the need to upgrade aerodrome rescue and firefighting training facilities and firefighting equipment to enhance airport safety and emergency preparedness.

NNIC, the consortium that includes San Miguel Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation, has committed to spend PHP170 billion to execute its phased but ambitious plan to elevate NAIA to world-class standards.

This includes plans to increase passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.