LIPAD prepares for take-off of new Clark airport terminal

MANILA, Philippines — Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), operator and manager of the Clark International Airport, is preparing for the operationalization of a new passenger terminal in the gateway next year.

LIPAD has commenced a series of vital operational readiness briefings with representatives of government agencies and the private sector in line with the new terminal’s opening in 2021.

“Preparation and maintaining a solid rapport and constant coordination with our partners and stakeholders are just two of the most crucial factors to the successful opening of the new Clark International Airport,” LIPAD chief executive officer  Bi Yong Chungunco said.

“That is why we, at LIPAD, together with our partners at Changi Airports International, are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the new terminal is ready and operational by 2021,” Chungunco said.

The new terminal, which was constructed by Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR of India, is a four-level structure with a total of 110,000 square meters of floor area and 18 aero bridges.

It houses both international and domestic terminals, and can handle eight million passengers in a year. It is accessible with a new road network.

“Airport operations entail a wide array of diverse and multi-pronged functions that have to be delivered in specific and clear periods. The new Clark International Airport is fitted with suitable state-of-the-art technologies,” LIPAD said.

LIPAD is a consortium composed of Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd., Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc.. It bagged the 25-year concession agreement for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport.

Last month, LIPAD signed an agreement with 17 airlines for the transition to terminal fee integration.

This means the domestic and international passenger terminal fee of the Clark International Airport will be integrated in the cost of airline tickets starting next year.

The Clark International Airport is the first airport in the Philippines to achieve global health accreditation after it was recently awarded the Airport Health Accreditation by the Airports Council International in recognition of its efforts in making the gateway a safe and secure place for the traveling public.