The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has obtained a Permanent Aerodrome Certificate (PAC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced on Friday, Dec. 29.
The certification, numbered AGA-C-06-2023, issued under Section 2.2.015 (1)(b) and (2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations governing Aerodromes (CAR-Aerodromes), confirmed that NAIA "fulfilled its commitment to meet and comply with CAAP’s required standards."
The MIAA leadership expressed enthusiasm over the achievement.
MIAA said that its focus has consistently been on improving operational efficiency, safety, security, and the passenger experience at the country's main gateway.
"This certification marks a new era of operational excellence for NAIA and enhances the Philippines’ standing in the international aviation community," MIAA said in a statement.
MIAA said that the journey to the milestone began in 2015 when it initiated an extensive Aerodrome Certification process with CAAP, and obtained a temporary certificate in December 2017.
"MIAA’s Safety Management System Office diligently monitored compliances crucial for the aerodrome certificate, ensuring adherence to CAAP’s stringent standards," the Authority noted.
Over the years, MIAA said it systematically addressed findings and compliance issues, and achieved a 90.69 percent effective compliance score in March 2021 and the publication to the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) of essential Aerodrome Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Charts in November 2023.
These ultimately led to the awarding of the permanent Aerodrome Certificate by CAAP this month, MIAA stressed.
"Before granting an aerodrome certificate, CAAP ensures that the aerodrome meets various criteria, including physical characteristics, facilities, services, safety provisions, personnel qualifications, operational capability, safety management system, and emergency preparedness," MIAA said.
"This certification reflects extensive improvements at NAIA, such as runway system enhancements, modernization of air traffic control technologies, robust safety and security protocols, and improvements in passenger facilities and services," it added.