DOTC resumes bid process for NAIA runway optimization

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to short list the prospective bidders for the runway optimization project for the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) while the proposed P2.4- billion parallel runway is still under evaluation.

DOTC Assistant Secretary Jaime Fortunato Caringal has issued a bulletin announcing that the negotiating team would draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted expression of interest and eligibility documents.

“The shortlist shall consist of three prospective offerers who will be entitled to submit offers,” he said.

Caringal who also heads the negotiating team, said the submission and opening of eligibility documents is on Dec. 9.

The DOTC has indefinitely put on hold the submission of bids for the P67-million NAIA runway optimization project.

After two failed biddings, the DOTC decided to negotiate the contract for the NAIA runway optimization project that includes increasing runway movements, improving slot schedules, adding infrastructure and upgrading technology.

NAIA exceeded the design capacity of 30 million passengers per year as the four terminals handled 32 million passengers in 2012 amid the surge in tourist arrivals as well as the country’s improving economy.

The DOTC believes that the perpendicular runway design – primary runway 06/24 and secondary runway 13/31 - has made NAIA a highly congested airport. Aircraft movements went up to a high of 255,000 in 2011 amid the rise in passenger and aircraft activity.

Earlier, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said three companies including US-based Mitre Corp., NATS Ltd. of the United Kingdom, and Copenhagen Airport of Germany have expressed interest in the consultancy contract for the NAIA runway optimization project.

The government was looking at the construction of a new 2.1-kilometer runway worth P2.4-billion parallel to the existing primary runway 06/24.

However, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director general William Hotchkiss III said the proposed parallel runway is currently on hold and is still subject to further studies.

Hotchkiss said the proposed runway would affect the existing radar system of the airport as well as the adjacent Circumferential Road 5 (C5) extension.