ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. is ready to roll out its plans for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) now that it’s already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board.

“We welcome the approval of the Neda Board and we are looking forward to proceeding to the next phase which is the Swiss Challenge,” Cosette Canilao, chief operating officer of the Aboitiz Group’s infrastructure arm, told SunStar Cebu.

The company was granted the original proponent status (OPS) for its unsolicited proposal to manage and operate BPIA.

OPS gives the proponent the right to match any competing offer in a Swiss challenge.

Canilao said that once the project takes off, it will bring ripple effects to Bohol, a prime tourist draw in the country and home to famous tourist attractions.

“The project will have a multiplier effect to the economy of Bohol and we are very excited to roll out our plans,” the official said.

The Neda Board gave a green light to the group’s unsolicited proposal on Nov. 29, 2019.

The project, with an estimated capital expenditure of P3.8 billion, involves the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the BPIA, including initial enhancement and installation of internal fit-outs of existing facilities (Phase 1 from 2020 to 2021), as well as optimization and reconfiguration as dictated by traffic demand (Phase 2 from 2026 to 2027).

The company is eyeing to take over the airport early next year, but it will depend on how the Swiss challenge will turn out.

The firm had partnered with Irish airport operator daa International for the future upgrade, expansion and O&M of the Bohol-Panglao and Laguindingan airports. (CSL)