1st phase of P1.2-B Clark Terminal to start Q2 2016

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has decided to split the proposed P7.2 billion passenger terminal at the Clark international airport in Pampanga into three phases.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the initial phase worth P1.2 billion would be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for approval.

“The direction of the DOTC is very clear to develop Clark International Airport and the Clark Terminal, the initial phase of P1.2 billion has been submitted to NEDA, hopefully we get it up to NEDA board chaired by the President by May of this year,” Abaya said.

The construction of the proposed low cost carrier passenger terminal would be auctioned to prospective bidders in the third quarter of the year after getting the green light from the NEDA board.

“What is important that my end is to get it to the NEDA board for approval,” the DOTC chief said.

According to Abaya, construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of next year paving the way for the completion of the first phase in 2018.

The first phase would increase the capacity of the international airport in Pampanga to eight million from the current five million passengers per year. The second phase would increase the capacity to 46 million by 2025 and finally to 80 million by 2032.

DOTC had tapped the services of the French firm Aeroport De Paris to conduct the feasibility study to design the proposed low cost carrier passenger terminal building.

“There is not much of an issue except that plans drawn up by the Aeroport De Paris is quite aggressive and on a larger side, but we are sticking to their plans and we will defend the plan before the NEDA board,” he added.

The DOTC chief said the joint development of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Clark international airport would attract more airlines to fly out of Clark.

Airlines operating in the former US military air base include budget airline Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) and sister firm Tiger Airways Philippines, Dragonair, Asiana Airlines, Seair, Qatar Airways, Tigerair, Jin Air, and AirAsia Bhd.

Abaya also urged Clark International Airport Corp. president and chief executive officer Emigdio Tanjautco III to join the Philippine Air Panel.

”He (Tanjautco) can join anytime in the air traffic panel for Clark,” he said.