DESPITE local and national pitches for the world-class international airport, the Clark International Airport (CIAC) because of its runways size and facilities, it does not seem to get the nod of national authorities to maximize its use and patronize it like the current national airport, the NAIA and its peripherals.
Ironically, more civil works and infrastructure are introduced in the congested Metro Manila air convergence hub but no massive support is being thrown the way of the huge former US military airport. Why? What seems to be the problem as to prevent the national administration to
focus on an ideal alternative facility which could offer similar, if not better, comfort than its older counterpart?
Now, CIAC authorities are said to be wooing airlines at least the low-cost carriers, to patronize the Clark airport, proclaiming no traffic congestion and no flight delays. Specifically, Air Asia and the Emirates are urged "to revive operations that were suspended in 2013 partly due to weak (passenger) volume".
Targeted beneficiaries come from Northern Philippines which count on balikbayans and overseas contract workers. Presently, they add to the congestion of the Manila-based airport.
CIAC president and CEO Emigdio Tanjuatco is leading efforts to convince international and domestic airlines to use the Clark airport, saying: We are currently in talks with other air carriers with the possibility of adding more flights at Clark airport as we have a passenger terminal that can accommodate as many as five million passengers annually.
President Tanjuatco had even made arrangements with Robinsons Starmalls in San Fernando for the establishment of a passenger lounge that would take passengers directly to the Clark airport and vice versa. This arrangement would probably give convenience and encouragement for passengers to take the airport route. What else is there to do?
As it is, the Clark airport has a 3.2 kilometer parallel runway which can accommodate large aircraft and can avoid congestion, as it serves as an alternative facility for other flights not otherwise served by NAIA.
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I'd like to give Max Sangil my profuse thanks for acknowledging my efforts at making public, through my column, the goings on at and functions of different departments of the city hall.
He mistook me for the late Atty. Benjie Galang the former provincial administrator who did a fine job at the Capitol during his term.
Thanks a lot, Max. I owe you one.
I'd like to say hello to Robert S. Paquia, now based in Sacramento, California, USA. Robert is connected with the US Veterans Affairs
Office where he does a fine job.