Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions proposes to develop Siargao airport

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. (PAGSS), a ground handling services company, is seeking to operate and expand the Siargao airport in Surigao del Norte amid plans by the government to relocate the gateway.

Transportation Undersecretary for aviation Manuel Tamayo said PAGSS has submitted an unsolicited proposal to operate, maintain, and upgrade the Siargao airport, also known as the Sayak Airport.

The proposal is currently being evaluated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), according to Tamayo.

Should it be approved by the CAAP board, PAGSS’ Siargao airport proposal would be granted an original proponent status, giving the company advantage of having the right to match offers from other parties when a Swiss challenge is conducted for the project.

PAGSS is a company engaged in ground handling services located at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

It provides high quality ground handling services that meet international standards to ensure efficiency in service delivery.

PAGSS is part of the consortium that has bagged the contract to operate and maintain the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Its partners for the Clark International Airport are Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Changi Airport Philippines Pte. Ltd., operator of the most awarded airport in the world, Singapore Changi Airport.

Prior to the unsolicited proposal from PAGSS, Tamayo said there is also a government-led plan to move the Sayak Airport to a better location in the province.

“There is a proposal for a new airport also in Siargao that is centrally located where there are no mountains,” he said.

The Department of Transportation and the Department of Tourism are working together to prioritize the development of more airports to be able to expand and accommodate the demand for travel across the country.

Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. earlier said an airport in Siargao is very important to be able to expand and accommodate the demand for travelers to come to that part of the country.