ABOITIZ INFRACAPITAL, INC. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz group, said it has finished key upgrades at Bohol-Panglao (BPIA) and Laguindingan (LIA) International Airports, intended to enhance operational reliability on the country’s sixth- and ninth-busiest airports.
“These improvements are necessary infrastructure upkeep that reflect our shared commitment with the federal government to make every AIC airport experience safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for our travelers,” Aboitiz InfraCapital President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette V. Canilao said in a media release on Sunday.
The corporate assumed operations and maintenance of BPIA and LIA this 12 months.
“We’re ensuring that BPIA and LIA remain reliable gateways that connect communities, boost local economies, and strengthen our country’s aviation network,” Ms. Canilao added.
Aboitiz InfraCapital said the improvements included essential repairs to facilitate passenger access, assessments of uninterruptible power supply systems, and servicing of luggage carousels.
Additional preventive maintenance was carried out at BPIA for passenger boarding bridges and baggage weighing scales, reflecting the corporate’s efforts to modernize the airports.
“This initiative demonstrates how strong collaboration between the private and non-private sectors delivers higher facilities and services faster, with direct advantages for travelers, airport staff, and host communities,” the corporate said.
AIC goals to extend BPIA’s annual capability by 25%, from two million to 2.5 million passengers, inside two years, under a P4.53-billion investment plan covering terminal expansion, modern aviation systems, and enhancements to airside and landside facilities. The corporate also targets boosting capability to three.9 million passengers annually by 2030.
The 30-year concession agreement for BPIA covers upgrades, expansion, and maintenance ranging from the airport’s turnover in June.
For LIA, AIC announced last 12 months that it might partner with Ireland-based daa International to implement upgrades and manage operations.
Along with these regional airports, Aboitiz InfraCapital also manages Mactan-Cebu International Airport and has expressed interest in taking up operations and maintenance of other regional airports across the Philippines. — Ashley Erika O. Jose