The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the consortium of Megawide Construction Corp. and India-based GMR Infrastructure Ltd. are set to start discussions on the proposed redevelopment of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under the new terms of reference (TOR).
Last week, MIAA has granted original proponent status (OPS) to Megawide and its operating partner GMR for the rehabilitation of NAIA after the government terminated discussions with NAIA consortium over financial issues.
Both MIAA and the Megawide consortium refused to disclose the cost and scope of the project.
“We hope to adhere as much as possible to the scope of our original proposal, but it will of course be subject to the new terms of reference from government and any changes to be discussed with them in the coming days,” Megawide said.
To recall, Megawide consortium submitted a $3-billion proposal for the redevelopment of NAIA for an 18-year concession period last March 1, 2018.
The proposal involves the improvement of NAIA’s airside, terminal and landside that aim to increase terminal passenger capacity from 31 million to 72 million, as well as increase the landing and take-off per hour from 40 to 60.
Asked if the project proposal will be the same, Megawide said it will be different from what they submitted two years ago as it will be subject to the new TOR set by the government.
“The government gave their own terms of reference, we’re still waiting for next steps from government,” Megawide said.
The consortium of Megawide and GMR is also behind the transformation of the multi-awarded Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the country’s second largest airport.
“The decongestion and rehabilitation of NAIA is vital to sustainably supporting the air traffic needs of our National Capital Region. Megawide has always been supportive of our government’s vision to improve and modernize the airport infrastructure in the Philippines and we are committed to bringing our experience in airport operations and management, and engineering excellence to the country’s main gateway,” Louie Ferrer, Megawide managing director for transportation, said in a statement.
“We believe in the potential of NAIA and we see its vital role in our economy’s recovery and continuing development. As our main gateway, it is a symbol of our Philippine identity and its rehabilitation will be a big step towards achieving our vision of a First-World Philippines,” Ferrer added.
