Smart borders

Hidden Agenda

- MARY ANN LL. REYES

Just last month, President Marcos inspected the facilities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and said that it is the nicest that he has seen the airport in 20 to 30 years.

Private firm New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) took over the management and operation of NAIA in September of last year from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). The privatization and signing of the concession agreement between the San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-led consortium and the Department of Transportation paved the way for the modernization of the country's main gateway, with NNIC investing around P144 billion in the project.

The President assured the public that the government is finding ways and the best technology, including the rollout of electric or e-gates with facial recognition features to ease the processing of all airport users. And according to NNIC president Ramon Ang, these e-gates may be rolled out within six months.

The country's chief executive said he expects more upgrades at NAIA that will make travel experience more comfortable for all passengers, including OFWs and tourists.

NNIC also intends to raise passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million every year and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.

According to the President, he also inspected the immigration system to determine how it could be enhanced further.

Since taking over last September, NNIC has set its sights on improving efficiency and passenger experience and this is set to kick into full gear with the completion of Terminal 5 which will boost NAIA's capacity. T5 would be connected to Terminal 2 and is expected to accommodate at least 30 million passengers yearly.

The group is also currently overseeing an upgrade of check-in and baggage handling equipment.