NAIA not being sold, says DOTr

MANILA, Philippines — The plan to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will not include selling the airport, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In an interview with “The Chiefs” aired over Cignal TV’s One News last Monday night, DOTr spokesman Jonathan Gesmundo said they are only looking for a concessionaire that will operate, manage and upgrade the airport.

“The emphasis here is this is not a sale. We are not selling the airport,” Gesmundo said.

He added that they are looking for a private concessionaire who will really invest in the airport.

“When we look at the bidders, we will not just look at the technical capabilities. We will not just look at if they have the expertise, or if they have knowledge on how to operate an airport. We will also look for the financial capability,” the transportation official said.

“They will have to invest in airport improvements, upgrades and modernization. There are a lot of small things that the private concessionaire will have to invest in,” he added.

The DOTr will meet with the National Economic and Development Authority next week, according to Gesmundo.

The DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority earlier submitted a joint proposal – a public-private partnership – for the NAIA.

Gesmundo bared that they would discuss whether the full project is approved, or if there would be more questions to be clarified.

“We are seeking the final go-ahead to proceed with the project of the NAIA privatization,” he said.

The DOTr recently said the NAIA privatization is possible to be set by the first quarter of next year.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista is having the Gatwick Airport in London as the benchmark, according to Gesmundo.

“Currently, the NAIA has 40 to 41 airplane movements per hour. In Gatwick airport, they have 55 movements per hour. They are efficient,” Gesmundo stressed.

“Let that be our benchmark. We are looking at imitating that here at the NAIA… We are (going) toward the direction that the secretary wants, we level up to global standards,” he added.