Air Philippines set to join NAIA-3 test run

Local airline operator Air Philippines, a sister company of Philippine Airlines (PAL), has expressed intention to participate in the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) test run of the controversial Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) tentatively scheduled to start on March 31.

Alfonso Cusi, MIAA general manager, said this development brings to two the local airline operators joining the effort to test the facility.

"They have signified their interest," Cusi said, adding that Air Philippines had sent feelers for their possible participation in the test run.

Cusi said MIAA is currently intensifying its efforts to prepare the facility for the soft opening.

"We are doing our best to prepare NAIA-3. We are just continuing our ongoing efforts," Cusi told The Star in an interview.

Cebu Pacific is the only other local airline operator that expressed commitment to participate in the test run. They will use the facility for two of its international flights — Manila to Hong Kong and Manila to Incheon, South Korea and vice versa.

Air Philippines, like PAL, is controlled by beer and tobacco magnate Dr. Lucio Tan.

It was learned that the Bureau of Immigration, Duty Free Philippines as well as MIAA operations personnel have been ordered to go on familiarization tours to NAIA-3 starting tomorrow.

MIAA sources said that a massive cleanup of the terminal’s surrounding environs is scheduled early next week. Firetrucks of the surrounding local government units of Pasay City, Parañaque City, Taguig City, the Philippine Air Force will help spruce up the area.

MIAA is also preparing for a scheduled visit of President Arroyo later this week, which will be her second visit to the facility. She is expected to cut the ribbon for the finished access road connecting the NAIA-3 and NAIA-2 cargo warehouses.