The Laguindingan International Airport Public-Private Partnership Project (PPP) Ceremonial Awarding has been set for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. The official signing of the concession agreement is expected to be by the end of October 2024.
Joining the event are Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director-General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Magno, and Aboitiz InfraCapital President & CEO Cosette Canilao.
LGU officials from the airports service areas have also all been invited to the awarding rites.
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently received the notice of award (NOA) to upgrade, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan Airport.
The NOA was received by AIC from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on September 30, 2024. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista announced the awarding of the Laguindingan International Airport contract to Aboitiz InfraCapital at the 2024 Aviation Summit on October 2.
This expansion of AIC’s airports portfolio into Mindanao further solidifies its position as a key player in the Philippine aviation sector.
“We are excited to take on revitalizing Laguindingan Airport and collaborating with stakeholders to create a world-class facility that serves the travelers and the community alike,’ ” said Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This deal marks another major step in our Airports Platform, and we remain optimistic as we pursue further opportunities with other regional airports. Together with the government, we are committed to making this vision a reality,” Canilao added.
AIC’s investment in the Laguindingan Airport aims to modernize and transform the airport into a world-class gateway that will boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in Northern Mindanao.
The proposed PHP 12.75 billion project for Laguindingan Airport (Mindanao’s second busiest after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport) involves extensive development, including renovating and expanding existing facilities. This will cover the airport’s passenger terminal building, required equipment installation, and airside and landside facility enhancement and development for a 30-year concession period.
These expansions are expected to enhance the passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the airport’s safety and security standards, aligning with AIC’s vision of creating globally competitive airports that showcase the best of the Philippines.
Laguindingan International Airport is part of AIC’s broader strategy to develop and manage infrastructure assets that enhance connectivity across the Philippines. As a unit of the Aboitiz Group techglomerate, AIC is leveraging its expertise in infrastructure and technology to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation sector.
“Building on our experience at the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we are excited to bring our home-grown Filipino brand of airport operations to Misamis Oriental. We are confident Laguindingan Airport will drive socio-economic progress in the region as airports are a force multiplier in driving socio-economic progress through job creation, tourism development, and expanded connectivity. We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity entrusted to us by our partners in the DOTr and CAAP,” said Rafael Aboitiz, AIC Vice President – Head for Airports Business.
Expanded passenger terminal building
In a related development, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines officially opened the new passenger terminal building in Laguindingan airport on September 30, 2024.
The expansion project employs a modular design concept using converted materials, which is a structural concept that has been successfully implemented at Borongan Airport.
With the completion of the innovative expansion project, Laguindingan Airport has increased its pre-departure terminal capacity to 860 persons from 500 persons.
The modular expansion, using pre-fabricated structural steel, is a sustainable and cost-effective approach that allows for flexibility in design and rapid construction. The additional modules integrates seamlessly with the existing structures, creating a cohesive and modern terminal space.
Images courtesy of NEDA-X
“Our goal is to ensure that Laguindingan Airport continues to offer a smooth and comfortable travel experience for all passengers, through this expansion, we are confident that it will greatly enhance the airport’s ability to manage the influx of travelers we have been experiencing,” CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo said.
The expansion project also represents CAAP’s commitment to sustainability, as it reduces the demand for new building materials and minimizes construction waste.
The new PTB will reportedly be utilized for passengers of prop driven aircraft since these cannot be serviced by the airports existing air bridges.
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