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The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is allotting P12.4 billion for civil works and equipment and system upgrades this year to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure
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Of the total, bulk or P10.6 billion are allocated for civil works while P1.8 billion are for equipment and systems upgrades
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Key priority projects this year include the night-rating upgrade of Cauayan, Dipolog, and Pagadian airports, and privatization of Iloilo, Kalibo, and Puerto Princesa airports
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is allotting P12.4 billion for modernization of the country’s aviation infrastructure this year.
The bulk or P10.6 billion are for civil works and P1.8 billion for equipment and systems upgrades.
During the pilot episode of the Department of Transportation’s “Sakay Na” program on state-owned radio station Radyo Pilipinas, CAAP deputy director general for administration Danjun Lucas said more projects are in the pipeline to “ensure further safety, efficiency, and convenience of our flying public.”
Priority projects this year include the night-rating upgrade of Cauayan, Dipolog, and Pagadian airports, allowing for safe and efficient night operations to address increasing air traffic demands.
Of the 42 commercial airports in the country, 23 are so far night-rated, allowing them to handle aircraft even after sunset.
Additionally, Bukidnon Airport is on track to begin operations for general aviation by the first quarter of 2025 with the completion of its 1,500-meter runway. The target is to further extend the runway by 600 meters to accommodate turbo props by next year then extend further to 2,800-3,000 meters to handle single-aisle jets.
Several airport public-private partnership projects are likewise in the pipeline this year, including Iloilo, Kalibo, and Puerto Princesa airports, which are undergoing negotiations with DOTr and CAAP.
Undersecretary for aviation and airports Roberto Lim earlier said the contracts for these three airport public-private partnership projects are expected to be awarded this year.
Last year, DOTr and CAAP already awarded the 30-year contracts for Laguindingan International Airport and Bohol-Panglao International Airport to original proponent Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) after no comparative proposals were received for the projects.
READ: Aboitiz wins P12.75-B Laguindingan airport contract; Aboitiz wins 30-year Bohol-Panglao airport contract
Lucas said the government is set to turnover by April this year to AIC the management and operation of Laguindingan International Airport.
CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo, during the same program, said CAAP is also prioritizing projects to further improve the country’s communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management system to enhance the country’s air traffic control.
As part of CAAP’s regulatory functions, Tamayo said they have also been implementing stricter controls in licensing, and regulation of maintenance organizations, and will continue to embark on more training not just for CAAP personnel but also for those interested to have a career as air traffic controllers.
Tamayo said the thrust is “to really make the Philippine sky safe” and prevent accidents and incidents “as much as possible.”
