PPMC inks P8.5-M deal for La Union airport upgrade

The Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, recently signed a contract worth P8.514 million with engineering firm Schema Konsult Inc. to prepare a detailed engineering design to upgrade the San Fernando Airport in La Union.

PPMC President and CEO Felix Racadio said the detailed engineering design is for the upgrade of the San Fernando Airport to accommodate larger aircrafts similar to the Boeing 737 or Airbus 320.

The contract, Racadui said, would involve the extension of the runway by more than two kilometers, the expansion of the existing apron and terminal building, and the construction of a new state-of-the-art control tower.

Racadio said the design work is expected to be completed by December this year but he wants it done sooner to ensure completion of the upgraded airport before the end of next year.

The fund for the airport’s upgrading will come from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

The airport will provide vital infrastructure support to the existing and future tourism facilities in the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone and to the economic development of La Union.

The BCDA will infuse about P500 million for the project.

The San Fernando Airport upgrade is in compliance with President Arroyo’s call for the development of the San Fernando Airport in La Union during her recent State-of-the-Nation Address.