Cusi, in a presentation with members of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), revealed that they are completing all the necessary works and repairs in the controversial airport to avoid “endangering the lives of our passengers and other airport users.”
“We will address all the basic, pressing and most glaring life safety concerns such as the collapsed ceiling through a more comprehensive repair and strengthening program,” he said.
“And after identifying the operability of certain sectors of the terminal through appropriate engineering tests and assessment and raising the level of confidence on the safety of these areas, we shall pursue a deliberate strategy of partial or phased opening, starting with domestic flight operations,” he added.
In an earlier interview with Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, he revealed that the opening of the terminal will help address the growing passenger traffic in the country's airports as well as "reduce business cost".
Once the domestic operation is smooth and stable, Cusi said they will gradually be “shifting to international flight operations on a selective basis.”
He said the agency, together with other airlines, are now undertaking necessary research, planning and policy studies that would address the basic issues of opening the new passenger terminals.
The agency, in particular the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) and its consultants, are now exploring other alternatives like expanding terminal facilities and reorganizing airline operations within the Naia complex and within the context of the larger national aviation system and growth options.
Naia handles 90 percent of international traffic and 75 of all international and domestic traffic combined, Cusi said.
On April 1, Miaa published an Invitation to Bid for the Terminal Completion Works. At least eight companies were able to submit letters of intent, but only two submitted eligibility documents and both failed to pass the required eligibility checks.
To date, 33 equipment systems have been brought that Terminal 3 covering basic building systems like the electrical, air-conditioning, people mover and fire protection systems, and airport special systems like the baggage handling system, passenger loading bridges and security screening system. (MSN/Sunnex)
