Metro Manila, Philippines – The turnover of operation for the country’s main gateway to the private concessionaire in September is in full swing, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
In a press release, the agency said it is conducting monthly joint steering committee talks with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the private operator – New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. for the transition on Sept. 14.
Roberto Lim, transportation undersecretary for aviation and airports, said issues such as early works at NAIA including the OFW lounge and terminal layout were already tackled with the concessionaire.
Lim said over 70% of the current MIAA employees also agreed to the employment offer of the private operator.
“Since the concession agreement mandates that the concessionaire offers employment to MIAA employees, except for the airport police, which will be retained as an organic team and some essential MIAA employees to continue its function as regulator,” Lim was quoted as saying in a press release.
He said the agency is just waiting from the Governance Commission for GOCCs for the approval of plantilla positions.
The San Miguel-led consortium bagged the multibillion-peso concession agreement early this year, seeking to maintain and upgrade the airport for 25 years.
NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report
