Incheon security expert named COO of NAIA amid system overhaul
The private operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has named a seasoned airport executive as its chief operating officer (COO), tasked with overseeing the next chapter of the gateway’s ongoing modernization efforts.
New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) announced on Wednesday, June 3, the appointment of Jong Hoon “John” Kim as COO of the company, replacing Ok Chul “Paul” Shin, who is transitioning to a new role.
Kim is a veteran executive of Incheon International Airport, which is operated by Incheon International Airport Corp., one of the companies behind the NNIC consortium.
With nearly three decades of experience under his belt, Kim brings operational expertise from one of Korea’s busiest airports to oversee the day-to-day operations of NAIA.
Prior to his new role, he most recently served as director of airport security management, where he led the rollout of biometric access control, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted CCTV, and a comprehensive security inspection program.
He also handled operational readiness planning for Incheon’s fourth-phase expansion, including work on cargo, logistics, and free trade zone development.
He also served as director of operations and facilities management at Kuwait Airport Terminal 4 and as an operational readiness consultant for Erbil International Airport in Iraq.
Kim studied at National Jeju University,where he obtained a degree in electrical engineering. He is also a licensed senior electrical engineer and a certified Project Management Professional.
NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez said Kim’s expertise is directly relevant to the company’s ongoing efforts to improve the airport’s systems, facilities, and passenger experience.
“John brings the operating discipline and technical depth NNIC needs at this stage of NAIA’s transformation,” he said.
NNIC is undertaking a ₱170.6-billion concession to upgrade and modernize NAIA, with the goal of expanding annual passenger capacity to 62 million from 35 million.
NAIA recorded its highest-ever annual passenger volume at 52.02 million last year, nearly four percent higher than the previous record of 50.1 million passengers in 2024.
As part of a broader effort to bring operating expertise to NAIA, NNIC said it also appointed 21-year Incheon veteran Han Joon Kim to the team handling civil aviation compliance and mandatory works.
NNIC said these new appointments will bring global airport operating standards to NAIA, which has long been constrained by congestion, aging facilities and limited capacity. (Dexter Barro II)