The government can privatizate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by first quarter of 2024, Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim announced Wednesday June 7.
“That is a very tough and tight schedule, but it is doable in the first quarter of 2024," he stated.
"If there is more than one participant, we will have to talk to all of them. It will take time,” Usec. Lim added.
NAIA’s privatization will have “upsides” in terms of efficiency in passenger and flight movement, and generate income for the government.
“There is a lot of upside when your upgrade NAIA. You introduce efficiencies. That means you can process more passengers, you can take in more flights, and more revenues—means larger share for the government,” he elaborated.
He also allayed fears that airport employees will be laid off when NAIA is privatized.
“Generally, there will be no loss of employment. Airport employees will be offered opportunity to work when the airport facilities are privatized,” he clarified.
As for the role of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), “The relationship between MIAA and the concessionaire will be regulator-operator. The MIAA will continue to operate as a body that will regulate and oversee.”
All airport assets at the NAIA still belongs to the government with the private concessionaire limited at an operations and management role, Usec. Lim underscored.
Last Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and MIAA have submitted its joint proposal for the NAIA solicited Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project for approval by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, giving the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment.
As for the role of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), “The relationship between MIAA and the concessionaire will be regulator-operator. The MIAA will continue to operate as a body that will regulate and oversee.”
All airport assets at the NAIA still belongs to the government with the private concessionaire limited at an operations and management role, Usec. Lim underscored.
Last Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and MIAA have submitted its joint proposal for the NAIA solicited Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project for approval by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, giving the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment.