RSA, MVP partner to improve NAIA power reliability
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) have partnered to modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with sustainable and reliable energy solutions.
In a statement on Monday, Dec. 9, Meralco said the partnership aims to address NAIA's persistent power issues and improve its operational efficiency and resilience.
“By enhancing power reliability for the new NAIA, we are going to help empower the tourism and travel industry, support economic growth and enrich the travel experience for countless travelers,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
“This will be a step towards NNIC’s goal of transforming our country’s vital gateway into a world-class facility,” he added.
NAIA has faced longstanding power problems due to aging infrastructure, lack of modernization, and inadequate capacity, disrupting operations and impacting passenger experiences.
With the airport's privatization, Meralco said NNIC is prioritizing foundational improvements, including power reliability, as a key focus.
Ramon S. Ang, NNIC president, said that years of underinvestment have left NAIA struggling to meet the demands of a modern airport.
“With Meralco as our partner, we are addressing power reliability as a top priority, alongside operational improvements such as decongesting traffic within the airport, widening roads, mitigating flooding, and replacing faulty equipment,” Ang said.
“These efforts directly improve functionality, safety, and the passenger experience, setting the foundation for a world-class airport that every Filipino can be proud of,” he added.
The partnership includes several key projects, such as state-of-the-art Substation where Meralco is building a new 115 to 34.5-kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear substation to provide reliable power to NAIA's four terminals.
The substation will provide two 83-megavolt-amperes transformer banks and six 34.5 kV underground feeders for enhanced reliability and redundancy. Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and be completed by December 2026.
It also includes an underground power distribution masterplan where Meralco is working with NNIC to implement an underground power distribution network by 2026.
Field surveys and data sharing will start this December to improve power reliability and reduce disruption risks.
Lastly, there will be an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) System where Meralco subsidiary MSERV will install a 4900 KVA UPS system across six critical locations, including NAIA Terminal 3 and the airfield, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical operations.
These initiatives aim to deliver future-ready infrastructure that meets the highest international standards. NNIC and Meralco noted their commitment to transforming NAIA into a modern, sustainable, and efficient airport. This partnership is expected to support the country's economic growth and strengthen its position in global aviation.