CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved today a Notice to Proceed for San Miguel Aerocity Inc. of conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to commence construction of Bulacan International Airport.
With a design capacity of up to 200 million passengers annually and plans for four parallel runways, the Bulacan International Airport is seen to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and complement the operations of Clark International Airport (CRK).
“This airport aims to enhance the mobility and connectivity of air-riding Filipinos through an additional choice of gateway,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said during the concession agreement signing.
Tugade and SMC President and COO Ramon S. Ang signed the contract, which covers a 50-year concession period. Under the agreement, SMC will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the new international gateway also known as the New Manila International Airport.
“Let it be a battle of commercial competitiveness (among) Bulacan International Airport, NAIA and CRK as it benefits the riding public as they will be given a freedom of choice. They can choose the airport they desire. This is what is important. It’s all about comfort. It’s all about convenience. It’s all about putting life to the President’s wish and desire for a comfortable life for Filipinos,” Tugade emphasized.
For his part, Ang hopes that the airport will help boost economic growth in Central Luzon.
“This will really benefit our people and it will create a lot of business opportunities for Filipinos. It will bring so much foreign tourists,” he said.
SMC is expected to begin construction before the year ends, with a target to commence airport operations in four to six years.