SMC, PAGSS confirm bid to operate NAIA

Aviation Updates Philippines – After the Manila International Airport (MIAA) rejected Megawide Construction Corp.’s P109-billion proposal to operate the ageing Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), two more companies are eyeing to venture into the project: Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. (PAGSS), and San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Photo from Hetzark Segundo

In a Senate hearing, MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal confirmed the two firms submitted unsolicited proposals to takeover operations of the Philippines’ capital airport.

While SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang confirmed the company’s plans on Thursday, he said the proposal only ensures the operation and maintenance of NAIA: “Operate and maintain only,” Ang said in a Rappler article.

SMC is also behind the P740-billion New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan, which is expected to start construction by the first quarter of 2021.

Monreal, however, did not specify the proposal that is being worked on by PAGSS.

Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade also said Megawide can still appeal even after its original proponent status was revoked.

"Mayroon pang pinto na nakabukas para magkaroon ng pagkakataong pag-usapan ang mga interpretasyon na ito (There's still an open door to tackle this issue and settle varying interpretations)," the Transportation chief said.

Megawide was granted original proponent status for the NAIA project in July. The company’s proposal costs P109-billion under a 25-year concession period, which includes improvements to airside congestion, construction of a new terminal, among others.