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New NAIA Infra Corp. and Philippine Airlines signed an Airport Use Agreement establishing performance standards for the flag carrier’s operations at NAIA
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The agreement establishes key performance indicators and service standards for PAL’s operations at the country’s main gateway
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NNIC said the framework will improve operational efficiency, coordination and accountability among airlines, airport operators and service providers
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NNIC plans to use the PAL agreement as a template for similar arrangements with other airlines at NAIA
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NNIC is also applying similar operating requirements to ground handlers and other critical service providers at the airport
New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have signed an Airport Use Agreement (AUA) establishing performance standards for the flag carrier’s operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The agreement is the first standardized AUA with an airline under NNIC’s management of the country’s main gateway and is intended to improve operational efficiency, coordination and accountability across airport operations, the NAIA operator announced.
The AUA sets key performance indicators for PAL, aligning the airline’s operating standards with the service levels NNIC must meet under its concession agreement with the government.
NNIC intends to use the PAL agreement as a model for establishing similar arrangements with other carriers at NAIA.
“This agreement gives us a clearer framework for setting expectations, measuring performance and working together to maintain consistent service standards,” NNIC president and CEO Ramon Ang said. “That is important to making airport operations more efficient and dependable.”
“This is a positive development for both PAL and NNIC, and ultimately for our passengers. It supports the continuing modernization of NAIA and our collective goal of delivering a better airport experience,” Lucio Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings, the parent company of PAL, said.
The AUA oversees how PAL utilizes airport facilities and infrastructure, outlining the responsibilities of both the airline and the airport operator.
The service levels form part of PAL’s contractual obligations and include mechanisms for addressing persistent failure to meet agreed standards.
NNIC said the framework is designed to promote more consistent performance across airport operations and improve coordination among the organizations involved in handling passengers, baggage and aircraft.
A flight’s performance depends on several parties carrying out their respective functions on time and in sequence. Delays in check-in, boarding, baggage handling, ramp operations, or aircraft turnaround can affect individual flights, subsequent flights, and overall airport operations.
NNIC said setting shared performance standards and defining clearer accountability will enable improved monitoring of service levels, quicker identification of operational issues, and the ability to enforce corrective measures when needed.
Other airport service providers
NNIC is applying a similar approach to agreements with ground handling companies and service providers at NAIA, setting operating requirements for firms performing critical airline functions.
These arrangements are aligned with existing government regulations and NNIC’s obligations under its NAIA concession.
NNIC said since taking over NAIA in September 2024, it has upgraded terminal facilities, airport systems, airfield infrastructure, and passenger amenities, while addressing capacity and operational constraints.
READ: NNIC touts improvements as NAIA handles highest passenger record
The new operating frameworks extend the modernization program to the coordination of operations among airlines, service providers, and the airport operator at the country’s main gateway.
