COURTESY: Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC)
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is on a mission. With the signing of a concession agreement to upgrade, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, AIC is setting the stage for a new era in Philippine aviation. This strategic move isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about transforming the airport into a gateway that will drive economic growth and boost connectivity and tourism in Northern Mindanao.
Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and CEO, encapsulates this vision perfectly. She highlights how the airport is pivotal in elevating the country's aviation infrastructure. A seamless and efficient passenger experience isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. It fuels economic growth and broadens the business base for Laguindingan and the surrounding areas. With AIC at the helm, Laguindingan International Airport is set to reach new heights, playing a crucial role in the region's development.
On October 28, 2024, a P12.75 billion concession agreement was signed in the Malacañan Palace. This marked the beginning of a 30-year journey to transform Laguindingan International Airport. AIC, alongside the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, is committed to renovating and expanding the passenger terminal, installing state-of-the-art equipment, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities. The goal is simple yet profound: to significantly enhance the passenger experience, boost operational efficiency, and elevate safety and security standards.
But the vision doesn't stop there. Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business, sees potential in international flights. Collaboration with airlines and tourism stakeholders is key to realizing this dream. By working closely with local and international stakeholders, AIC aims to create a collaborative and conducive environment for investors. The expansion plans are ambitious, aiming to increase the airport's design capacity from 1.6 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 3.9 mppa in the first phase and up to 6.3 mppa in the second phase, depending on traffic demand.
AIC's vision for Laguindingan International Airport aligns with its broader mission to develop transformative infrastructure ecosystems. This is more than just an airport project; it's about leveraging the Aboitiz Group's expertise in infrastructure and technology to drive sustainable growth. Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group President & CEO, emphasizes the importance of a government that focuses on what truly matters. The private sector, he believes, has a vital role to play in achieving operational and financial excellence.
Laguindingan International Airport holds a special place in Mindanao, being the sixth-busiest airport in the country and the second-busiest gateway in the region after Davao City's Francisco Bangoy International Airport. For AIC, this project marks a significant milestone in its strategic expansion in the aviation sector. It adds to their growing portfolio of airports and underscores their commitment to enhancing connectivity across the Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. captured the essence of the project during the signing ceremony. Airports offer travelers a first glimpse of what awaits them at their destination, and Laguindingan International Airport will be no exception. With AIC's track record, including the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Laguindingan is poised to set new benchmarks for airport operations in the Philippines.
MCIA's success is a testament to what can be achieved. From the Silent Airport plan, which mitigates noise pollution, to the operation of Bridge-Mounted Equipment that reduces carbon emissions, AIC is at the forefront of sustainable airport management. The recent partnership with Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East to develop a framework of environmentally sustainable initiatives further cements their commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions goals.
In conclusion, Aboitiz InfraCapital's venture at Laguindingan International Airport is a bold step towards a brighter future for Northern Mindanao. With a focus on modernization, collaboration, and sustainability, AIC is not just upgrading an airport; they're opening doors to new opportunities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the travel experience for millions. The journey ahead is promising, and the sky's the limit.
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