PLDT fortifies new Clark airport terminal with fiber, 5G coverage

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Inc. is providing high speed connectivity to the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) to support its efforts in making the Clark International Airport a world-class air gateway.

PLDT said unit PLDT Clarktel Inc., which is a telecoms and digital services provider in the Clark Freeport Zone, has spearheaded the fiberization of the new terminal building of  the Clark International Airport.

Wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. has likewise invested in providing the new passenger terminal with 5G coverage and free Smart Wifi to help ensure the best mobile experience for all passengers and stakeholders.

“Clark International Airport’s new terminal is poised to be a world-class airport and a major business hub, and having access to high-speed connectivity is a crucial aspect of any development. This is what the PLDT fiber infrastructure and Smart 5G will provide,” PLDT Clarktel president Chito Franco said.

“PLDT Clarktel is committed to support not only the infrastructure requirements of LIPAD, but their entire digital journey,” Franco said.

PLDT’s fiber will support the digital telecommunication requirements of all the incoming airlines, concessionaires, and tenants of the new passenger terminal building.

“With a dedicated operations team based here in Clark, PLDT Clarktel is ready to provide aftersales support not only to LIPAD, but to the entire Clark community,” PLDT Clarktel COO Joselito Mercado said.

LIPAD, operator and manager of the Clark International Airport, is a consortium composed of Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd., Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Philippine Airport Ground Solutions Inc.

LIPAD earlier announced that all flights at the airport would depart and arrive at the new terminal building starting May 2.

Clark International Airport’s new terminal  has a design capacity of eight million passengers per annum, nearly double the 4.2 million capacity of the airport’s existing terminal.

It features state-of-the-art facilities that situate itself as a premier Asian gateway for tourism and business alike.

The airport also features a touchless passenger check-in experience. Self-service, self-check-in kiosks and self-bag-drop systems have likewise been put in place for passenger safety and autonomy.

“When we open, passengers can expect to experience unique features that make CRK truly world-class. With partners like PLDT Clarktel, the Airport will redefine air travel experience. It will be northern and central Luzon’s gateway, connecting the region to the rest of the Philippines and the world,” LIPAD CEO Bi Yong Chungunco said.