Concessioners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are highly optimistic about the potential of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to enhance the airport experience.
The government is set to sign the concession agreement with SMC for the improvement of NAIA, which is widely recognized as one of the world’s worst airports.
Dnata Philippines, one of the ground-handling firms that cater to customer airlines in NAIA, welcomed the news, expressing their excitement about what SMC can bring to the airport.
“We are excited to see what SMC can bring. As for me, I’ve been here since 1991. This is the exciting time, we will see something good for the Filipino people, especially the traveling people who, at the end of the day, will be the ones who will benefit,” said Margaret Yu during a forum organized by the Airport Press Club (APC) held at NAIA Terminal 1.
She said that they are looking forward to seeing something that is good for the Filipino people and the traveling public.
Dnata acknowledged that there are areas at the airport that require
improvement. It mentioned that the limited capacity and space are
concerning when it comes to ground handling work.
Yu, however, said they will continue to ensure that their clients are
happy and will wait for whatever directions the SMC has.
“There are things that need to be changed, need to be improved,” said Yu.
Yu said the positive impact of a modern airport is a comfortable and
smooth experience for passengers.
But she acknowledged there are always costs involved. “Of course the riding public is mature, the companies working at the airport are
mature enough to handle any improvements, but there are still
potential costs.”
The Department of Transportation is expected to sign the agreement
Monday in Malacanang, and the airport facility is expected to be
turned over to SMC in September this year.
The SMC SAP Company Consortium, consisting of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp., offered the highest bid of 82.16% revenue share to the government. The winning bidder will pay a P30 billion upfront cost and an annual annuity payment of P2 billion to the government.
The group will be responsible for both landside and airside operations of the NAIA, enhancing compliance, safety, security, and capacity to cater to increasing air traffic.