Aboitiz lands ‘original proponent status’ for New Bohol International Airport

CEBU, Philippines —  Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., (AIC) commits to support the government’s regional airport development projects across the country.

Following the awarding of Department of Transportation (DOTr) to AIC for ‘Original Proponent Status’ of the new Bohol Airport, the company is looking forward to aid the government’s build-build-build program.

“We also remain committed and ready to support the government in its initiative to develop and enhance other regional airports throughout the country,”

said Sabin M. Aboitiz, AIC President and Chief Executive Officer.

AIC, the infrastructure business unit of the Aboitiz Group, has been granted “Original Proponent Status” (OPS) by DOTr the for AIC’s proposal for the operations and maintenance (O&M), future development and expansions of the New Bohol International Airport.

“In line with AIC's commitment to support the Philippine government's efforts in advancing infrastructure within the country, we look forward to moving ahead with our proposal to provide a long-term solution for the operations, maintenance and future expansions of the New Bohol Airport. Our vision is to transform the New Bohol Airport into a prime example of excellence and efficiency for regional gateways,” Aboitiz noted.

The new airport, located on Panglao Island, is intended to replace the current airport in Tagbilaran City, which is currently serving under one million passengers per year. With a much larger capacity, the New Bohol International Airport will be a key catalyst towards unlocking the tourism potential of Bohol and the rest of the region.

The OPS grant is therefore a crucial step towards AIC’s partnership with government to develop world-class infrastructure, and to establish a high standard for regional airport operation.

“We believe our proposal provides an expedient and comprehensive solution for the immediate and long-term needs of the New Bohol International Airport,” Aboitiz added.

Being the original bidder, Aboitiz InfraCapital has the right to match the offers given by other groups via a Swiss challenge.

Last April, Aboitiz Equity Ventures said the transportation department rejected its infrastructure arm’s P148-billion pitch to modernize four key regional airports, including the New Bohol Airport, after the government adopted a policy to publicly solicit bids for the operations, maintenance and development of all airport projects.

The Aboitiz Group later revised and resubmitted its proposal after being told by the government to unbundle its offer, as many of the airports can stand on their own.

Aboitiz decided to push through with its plans for the New Bohol Airport.

Aboitiz InfraCapital is also part of the “super consortium” that submitted a proposal to upgrade the 70-year-old Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The band of tycoons also secured the OPS for the project.

Calls on the government to fast-track the approval of offers from the private sector to build and operate more gateways outside the capital have intensified after a Chinese plane skidded onto the grass and blocked the NAIA runway in August, prompting the cancellation of around 165 international and local flights.

Seeing the deterioration of the Manila airport, the Duterte administration has been entertaining unsolicited proposals to rehabilitate NAIA and build more provincial airports.

Apart from infrastructure, the Aboitiz Group also has major investments in power, banking and financial services, food and land.

As of 12:41 p.m. Friday, shares in Aboitiz Equity Ventures were down 35 centavos or 0.70 percent to P49.60 each. with reports from Philstar.com