Delta Air heeds DOTC call to transfer to NAIA3

MANILA, Philippines - Delta Air Lines has heeded the call of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to transfer its operations to the newer Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 3 (NAIA3) to pave the way for the P1.3-billion rehabilitation of NAIA1.

Steven Crowdey, director, Philippines, Australia and Micronesia of Delta, said the relocation of its operations to the NAIA3 from NAIA1 effective Aug. 1 would be permanent.

At NAIA3, customers would experience larger departure and arrival immigration halls, a smooth flow from the airport entrance to the departure gates, more seating areas and less security congestion.

In addition, passengers could enjoy more shopping and dining choices and better natural lighting throughout the lobby and departure gate areas.

Furthermore, Delta would install more self service check-in kiosks in the lobby, reducing the wait time for check-in which will result in a better customer experience at the airport.

Terminal 3 features a two-tiered design with its ground level designed for arrivals and the second level for departures.

Each level has 600 square meters of curbside space allowing for more efficient drop offs and pickups. The center of the building contains passenger processing function. Retail shops and food courts line the departure and arrival levels while parking for over 1,200 cars is provided in front of the terminal. Terminal 3 also offers a 232 square meters contemporary lounge with modern furnishings.

“This exciting news is another big step for Delta as it has been improving the customer experience in the air and on the ground. We are delighted that our customers will benefit from the larger, more efficiently designed Terminal 3 from this summer,” Crowdey said.

Delta operates non-stop flights from Manila to Tokyo-Narita and to Nagoya-Centrair airports in Japan, where customers could conveniently connect to an extensive network to and within the US. The airline uses Boeing 747-400 aircraft for both destinations.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya earlier urged foreign airlines to transfer to NAIA3 from the congested NAIA1 that is undergoing a P1.3-billion facelift being undertaken by DM Consunji Inc.

Abaya said the P1.9-billion retrofitting and rehabilitation of NAIA3 being undertaken by the Takenaka Corp. of Japan is expected to be completed by July or one month ahead of the August schedule.