A group of the country’s seven biggest conglomerates submitted on Monday, Feb. 12, their unsolicited proposal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and transform it into a regional airport hub.

The NAIA Consortium is composed of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Alliance Global Group Inc., AEDC, Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and has a combined capitalization of over PHP2.2 trillion.

The consoritum’s proposed project, estimated to cost up to P350 billion over the life of its concession,is divided into two phases: Phase 1 includes improvements and expansion of terminals in the current NAIA land area, while Phase 2 involves the development of an additional runway, taxiways, passenger terminals and associated support infrastructure.

In a press release, the consortium cited Changi Airports International Pte. Ltd. as the provider of technical support in master planning, operations optimization and commercial development.

“Through this proposal, we envision a new NAIA: a fully-integrated premier gateway that we Filipinos can truly be proud of, backed by the know-how of an experienced technical partner and the strong synergy of seven homegrown teams. The message is clear: we need this, and we can get this done,” the consortium’s spokesperson, Jose Emmanuel Reverente, said. He added that the proposal includes a people mover that would link all three terminals and connect NAIA to the existing mass transport system in Metro Manila, as well as an option for a third runway.

“The proposal involves expanding and interconnecting the existing terminals of NAIA, upgrading airside facilities, and developing commercial facilities to increase airline and airport efficiencies, enhance passenger comfort and experience, and improve public perception of NAIA as the country’s premier international gateway,” Reverente said.

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