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NAIA privatization possible in Q1 2024

<p>NAIA Terminal 1 <em>(PNA photo by Cristina Arayata)</em></p>

NAIA Terminal 1 (PNA photo by Cristina Arayata)

MANILA – The privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may be implemented by the first quarter of 2024, an official of the Department of Transportation said Wednesday.

"It is doable that there will be a conclusion that could possibly be proclaimed by the government,” Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim said in an interview over ANC.

“That takes time. If there are more than one participants, we will have to talk to all of them. It will take time," he added.

NAIA’s privatization, Lim said, would have “upsides” in terms of efficiency in passenger and flight movement, and generate income for the government.

“There is a lot of upside when you upgrade NAIA. You introduce efficiencies. That means you can process more passengers, you can take in more flights, and more revenues -- means larger share for the government,” he added.

Lim clarified issues surrounding the airport’s privatization, including the role of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) once the privatization takes place and the airport employees.

“The relationship between MIAA and the concessionaire will be regulator-operator. The MIAA will continue to operate as a body that will regulate, oversee,” he said.

“Generally no loss of employment. Airport employees will be offered opportunity to work when the airport facilities are privatized,” he added.

All airport assets at the NAIA still belong to the government with the private concessionaire limited to an operations and management role, Lim said.

Last Friday, the Department of Transportation and MIAA submitted their joint proposal for the NAIA-solicited Public Private Partnership project for approval by the National Economic Development Authority Board, giving the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment. (PNA) 

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