The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officially handed over the operations and management of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the San Miguel Corporation-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC) earlier today.
The formal turnover took place during a simple handover ceremony at exactly 0001H PhST according to a press release from the DOTr. Key officials who signed the turnover documents included DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Yebra, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim, MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman Ramon Ang, and NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez.
Interestingly, it appears that the Philippine media was not invited to cover the event, at least in the case of AvGeek Philippines. The information available about the turnover was obtained solely through a press release from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), highlighting the limited access to the proceedings.
Here are some photos related to the handover ceremony (thanks to DOTr):
Despite the low-profile ceremony, the milestone marks a turning point for the country’s primary airport. Through Undersecretary Lim, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed his support for NNIC’s ambitious vision of transforming NAIA into a world-class hub. He emphasized that the modernization of NAIA will enhance the overall passenger experience and strengthen the nation’s transportation system, catalyzing growth in tourism and the economy as per the press release AvGeekPH received.
San Miguel Corporation Chairman Ramon Ang echoed these sentiments in the same press release, stating that the NAIA modernization project is an investment in the country’s future.
According to the press release, NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez mentioned that the project will begin with immediate improvements to enhance passenger comfort, with noticeable changes expected by Christmas this year. He assured the public that despite the challenges ahead, the team remains committed to executing the project with the highest standards, ensuring no shortcuts are taken.