In two weeks, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), established by the consortium led by San Miguel Corporation, will take over operations of the country’s premier gateway to undertake much-needed rehabilitation.
Yes, Virginia, it’s time. NNIC is poised to assume control of Ninoy Aquino International Airport after winning a P170.6 billion contract in February to upgrade, maintain, and operate NAIA.
Recently, I've heard from sources within the terminals that officials from both the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and NNIC are collaborating closely on workforce hiring.
MIAA currently has over 1,000 organic employees. Of that number, approximately 564 have expressed interest in joining NNIC, while others are seriously considering the early retirement incentive program (ERIP) approved by the Department of Transportation.
Employees who choose neither to join NNIC nor to take advantage of the ERIP will remain regular employees of MIAA, which will continue to regulate the airport. For now, NNIC requires between 600 and 700 employees.
An A1 but muted source shared that if additional workforce is needed, NNIC plans to hire new employees, primarily from the pool of MIAA staff.
Meanwhile, the services of third-party contractors responsible for baggage handling, janitorial services, security, and pest control will continue without interruption.
Clearly, NNIC and MIAA officials are diligently working to ensure a smooth transition. The key takeaway is that “we work as a team,” pointed out an insider but muted source. One major issue being addressed is the lease contracts of concessionaires in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, with a focus on reducing their numbers during the renovation. Tenants’ lease contracts range from month-to-month agreements to one-year, two-year, and even five-year terms.
The latest tittle-tattle going around the terminals is that Philippine AirAsia's month-to-month lease may not be renewed. AirAsia's headquarters is located at the RedPoint office in Terminal 3.
Efforts are also underway to engage two internet service providers—Converge and PLDT/SMART—to enhance WiFi services for passengers.
Here’s the key point: this transition will not leave MIAA empty-handed. As the regulator, MIAA will continue to manage buildings and assets outside the airport's “fence,” including MacroAsia Catering Services, the catering facility for Philippine Airlines (PAL), Park and Fly, the Civil Aeronautics Board, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
The turnover will not only elevate NAIA to international standards and enhance passenger services but will also boost national coffers. In addition to an annual payment of P2 billion, the national government will receive 82.16 percent of the consortium's gross revenue on a monthly basis, excluding the passenger service charge.
This corner of the corridor looks forward to the San Miguel Group taking over operations of the country’s premier gateway, transforming it into a functional airport with a passenger capacity of 62 million—nearly double its current capacity.
From now on, I will not be envious of Changi Airport in Singapore or Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam. Watch out for NAIA, which was ranked as the fourth worst airport in the region and the Middle East by BusinessFinancing.co.uk.
Hats off to San Miguel President and CEO Ramon S. Ang for making this vision of a revitalized airport a reality.
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