Development plans for Clark airport definite

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) said the National Government has clear plans to develop the Clark International Airport.

The government-owned and controlled corporation issued the statement following reports that the government had been “indecisive” about the development of the airport which is being eyed as the country’s premier gateway.

During an aviation summit Thursday, CIAC president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano said officials of the Clark airport had been meeting with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) with regards to the development of the airport.

He said CIAC officials participated last February 8, 2013 in the planning session conducted by the DOTC in Tagaytay City.

CIAC senior officials, led by Luciano, attended another meeting on February 18, 2013 during the updating of the Philippine Development Plan, Public Investment Program (PIP) and the Tourism Development Plan from 2013 to 2016.

Luciano said CIAC will submit to the DOTC the project list and costing for the construction of the gateway terminal, budget terminal, navigational equipment among others. Submission of the project list and costing will be in March 4.

The updated list, which includes projects from other attached agencies of the DOTC, will be submitted to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for processing.

CIAC adheres to the planning process of the National Government as to the approval and implementation of vital infrastructure projects, Luciano said.

“We support the development of a twin-airport system that is the overall development of both Clark airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Both airports will have a symbiotic relationship that will be beneficial to the travelling public,” Luciano said.

He said that businesses in the Clark Freeport and nearby communities further increase their revenues, while more locators are planning to locate in Clark, because of the presence of the Clark airport.

He also denied reports that “businesses in the former US military facility suffered due to the indecision of the government over the fate of Clark airport.”

Over 1.3 million passengers passed through the airport in 2012 and the number is expected to increase this year.

The Clark airport is hosting Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Seair-Tiger, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Berhad, Airphil Express, Dragon Air, Zest Air and Cebu Pacific.

Tycoons, aviation industry players, and other stakeholders attended the Clark Aviation Conference organized by the Clark International Airport and the Global Gateway Logistics City.