San Miguel Corp. will not actively seek new airport projects in the foreseeable future, according to the conglomerate’s chairman and chief executive officer Ramon Ang.
Instead, said Ang, San Miguel will concentrate efforts and resources on its three current airport concessions: Manila, Caticlan, and Bulacan.
“I think three assigned airports is already too much. We must focus on these projects to ensure we deliver the quality and adhere to the timelines we have promised,” Ang said during an aviation forum organized by San Miguel and the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines.
In a few more days, San Miguel’s unit, New NAIA Infra Corp., is set to take over the operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following its recent victory in securing the P170.6 billion rehabilitation project for the country’s main gateway.
The concession agreement for NAIA spans 15 years, with an option to extend another 10 years.
“It is an exciting time for us. We are about to make history…in building a world-class facility for Filipinos that they truly deserve,” Ang remarked.
Ang addressed concerns that the takeover might lead to higher terminal fees. He clarified that the fees were predetermined by the government with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank.
He said 82 percent of the terminal fees will go to the government, which can be used for building new airports and other transportation infrastructure.
Despite the ambitious plans to modernize NAIA and nearly double its annual passenger capacity from 35 million to 62 million, Ang said that the current capacity limitations highlight the necessity of the P375 billion Bulacan International Airport project.
He anticipates that the Bulacan airport will commence operations by early 2028, although its development has been delayed due to the government’s decision to postpone all reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
Ang assured that despite these delays, construction will proceed as planned, with groundbreaking for the terminal concourse and apron of the Bulacan airport scheduled for December.
San Miguel also has plans to expand the Caticlan airport, the main gateway to the world-renowned Boracay Beach. Ang revealed that the expansion will include the addition of eight boarding gates and will increase the airport’s annual capacity to 7 million passengers. The project is expected to be completed within three years.
Ang’s remarks underscore San Miguel’s commitment to enhancing its existing airport projects while refraining from pursuing additional ventures in the near term. The company aims to ensure that these key projects meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
