LOCAL airline operators, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines yesterday asked the new operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to ensure the seamless implementation of terminal reassignment and minimize disruption.
In a statement, Cebu Pacific said it fully supports the long-term vision of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp., including the planned terminal reassignments.
But it said all necessary operational support and systems must be in place before any terminal changes are implemented.
“To ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to passengers, a thorough consultative process and sufficient preparation time are essential for every terminal transfer,” CEB said.
CEB also cited its experience in terminal reassignment in Singapore.
“It took us a year of discussions and coordination with both parties before we moved to Changi Airport Terminal 4 from the low-cost carrier terminal. This illustrates the critical need for comprehensive planning and cooperation in such transitions,” it said.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines which currently operates all domestic flights via Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 for international flights said in a statement terminal reassignment requires careful planning, including time and motion studies, consideration of environmental factors, and adequate time for implementation to minimize disruptions.
“In fully supporting NNIC’s great plans for NIAA, we trust that optimizing airport utilization will benefit everyone involved, especially our passengers who deserve the best experience possible,” AirAsia said.
On Monday, NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez said the NAIA terminal reassignment is expected to be implemented in the next three years and once the Terminal 2 extension is completed.
The terminal reassignment will designate Terminal 2 as the new domestic terminal, the Terminal 1 will be used by Philippine Airlines and all foreign airlines will be transferred to Terminal 3 including Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines.
NNIC is set to take over NAIA this Saturday.
The consortium plans to improve the passenger capacity of NAIA from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers and increase air traffic movement from 40 movements per hour to 48 over the initial 15 years concession period.
NNIC is composed of conglomerates San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc. and Incheon International Airport Corp.
NNIC has committed to spend a P122.3- billion capital outlay over the 25-year concession.
