Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) — Four consortiums submitted bid documents for the operation, maintenance and modernization of the country’s main gateway.
The Department of Transportation on Wednesday live-streamed its evaluation of bids for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport submitted by the Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC), Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airports Consortium, and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) SAP & Co Consortium.
In his opening remarks, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted the importance of the project that seeks to double the aging airport’s capacity to 60 million per year.
\”As you all know, this airport is already very congested with a capacity of only 32 million but handling almost 50 million passengers,” Bautista said.
Eight companies initially bought documents but only four entered their official bid before the 10 a.m. deadline on Wednesday.
Prominent conglomerates entering the bidding include Aboitiz InfraCapital, Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corporation, Alliance Global-InfraCorp Development, and Filinvest Development Corporation which are all part of MIAC.
The GMR group operates airports and other infrastructure projects in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Greece.
Conglomerate SMC, with interests in food, energy, and telecommunications industries among others, is also constructing the new international airport in Bulacan.
Meanwhile, DOTr data showed that the Asian Airport Consortium is composed of the Asian Infrastructure and Management Corporation, Cosco Capital Inc., Philippine Skylanders International Inc., and PT Angkasa Pura II.
After the evaluation of bid documents, the DOTr said it will determine the technical and financial capacity of the bidders.
\”I thank you and look forward to working with you in making Manila international airport one of the best airports not only in Asia but in the world,” Bautista said.
The transportation department earlier estimated the awarding of the winning bidder by the first quarter of 2024.
Under the NAIA public-private partnership concessionaire agreement, the chosen bidder will be given 15 years to rehabilitate the airport’s passenger terminals and airside facilities, among others.
This may be extended for another 10 years, based on discussions to be held during the eighth year of the contract, the DOTr said.
