15-year NAIA transformation takes flight

A minute after midnight yesterday, San Miguel Corp chairman and CEO Ramon Ang received from Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eric Ines the symbolic key to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), officially jumpstarting a 15-year facelift for the premier gateway to the country, once considered one of the worst in the region.

- RUDY SANTOS

SMC, through New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), intends to turn the airport into a world-class facility that can lure more tourists and travelers, create jobs and help propel the country to sustainable progress.

"A world-class airport means more jobs, more tourists and a much stronger and more prosperous Philippines," said Ang, who also chairs the NNIC, at the turnover ceremony at NAIA Terminal 3.

NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez and Transportation Undersecretary Robert Lim witnessed the turnover.

"With continued support and cooperation from the government, airlines, passengers and airport staff, we can achieve all our targets and transform NAIA into an airport every Filipino can be proud of," Ang said.

"The baton has been passed and now it is our turn in NNIC to carry it forward to the finish line," Alvarez, for his part, said.