San Miguel-led group to transform NAIA into 'modern international gateway that Filipinos will be proud of'
The San Miguel-led group that won its bid to operate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport expressed commitment to transform it into a "modern international gateway that Filipinos will be proud of."
The SMC-SAP and Co. Consortium, in a statement, said it's "honored to spearhead the long-awaited rehabilitation" of the country's main gateway following its successful bid.
"We are grateful to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Jaime Bautista, for conducting a fair and comprehensive bidding process. We also commend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration for its commitment to modernizing NAIA," it said.
According to the consortium, its proposal is "designed not only to elevate NAIA to world-class standards but also to ensure that the government benefits from the most advantageous revenue-sharing agreement." It aims to put fairness and long-term sustainability at the top of its priorities as it gains a "favorable outcome" for its shareholders.
"Recognizing the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us, we are committed to collaborating closely with the government and our various stakeholders, harnessing every resource available to us, to transform NAIA into a modern international gateway that Filipinos will be proud of," the group said.
The SMC group was announced as the winning bidder for the operation and rehabilitation of NAIA on Friday, Feb. 16. It will take over the Manila International Airport Authority's role for the next 15 years. The contract may also be extended up to 10 more years.
In a press briefing, Bautista said they’ll sign the concession agreement within the next 30 days. Once that happens, the consortium must pay P30 billion upfront and would pay another P2 billion over the year.
The DOTr secretary noted it would take three to six months, but vowed to try their best to expedite the process.
The consortium is also set to share 82.16% of its gross revenue with the government. Passengers are expected to pay more for airfare.
The SMC-SAP and Co. Consortium consists of San Miguel Corporation, RMN Asian Logistics, RLW Aviation, and Incheon International Airport Corp. It also operates Bulacan International Airport.