THE new Clark International Airport (CRK) will start operating before the Christmas season.

Bi Yong So Chungunco, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation (Lipad), bared this during an online press conference on Friday, August 27, 2021.

Chungunco said the new passenger terminal, which can accommodate 8 million passengers per year, is gaining recognition not only in the Philippines but also in the rest of the world as a top-six finalist in the 2021 Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the airport category.

She added that this distinction is very timely because it comes at the time when Filipinos are in great anticipation of better times and the decline of the pandemic.

"We hope that in this new terminal building, we can help uplift the mood of our countrymen and soon when travel is relaxed, Clark International Airport will be there to delight," the Lipad CEO said.

Populous Architecture and Planning, in cooperation with Casas + Architects Inc., made the interior design and retail planner of the new terminal which showcases Filipino culture and arts.

Local artists will also have a place inside the terminal, according to Chungunco.

She said the new airport will showcase Filipino culture and arts, particularly Kapampangan artifacts.

Pieces of furniture inside the terminal were made by famous artisans and sculptors in Betis, Guagua town in Pampanga.

She said the famous giant lanterns of Pampanga will be displayed inside the terminal in time for the Christmas season.

Lipad operates and manages Clark airport. It is a consortium composed of JG Summit Holdings, Filinvest Development Corporation, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. and Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd.