US to fund Sangley airport’s feasibility study

MANILA, Philippines — The United States is providing funding for the feasibility study of the proposed Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) to help strengthen transport links.

In a statement, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said it is supporting the development of the proposed SPIA through funding for the feasibility study.

The proposed airport is expected to ease congestion at Manila’s existing airport and serve as the Philippines’ international gateway.

USTDA awarded the funding to Cavitex Holdings Inc., which is part of the SPIA Development Consortium developing the airport.

Cavitex selected California-based The S-A-P Group LLC (SAP) to conduct the study.

SAP will guide the airport’s development by providing technical expertise on air traffic forecasts and financial analyses.

Through the study, the aim is to have high-quality infrastructure to serve the country’s projected aviation needs.

In addition, it will define strong security measures for direct flights to major US aviation hubs.

The study will promote the adoption of trusted US solutions, including screening technologies, airport construction components, safety and security equipment, telecommunications networks and consulting services.

“The high volume of direct international travel between the US and the Philippines reflects the steadfast friendship of our two countries and we share a desire to see passenger traffic flourish safely and efficiently,” USTDA’s deputy director Thomas Hardy said.

“This project is one of many shared priorities with the Philippines government to achieve our collective goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.

The proposed airport aligns with the Luzon Economic Corridor, which aims to strengthen connectivity and economic resilience in the Philippines.

It is also expected to address rising travel demand and air traffic congestion in Manila by expanding the city’s capacity for both cargo and passenger traffic.

At present, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the country’s main international gateway. It served approximately 52 million travelers last year.

Cavitex president and CEO Leonides J.M. Virata welcomed the USTDA grant, citing its importance in accelerating the SPIA’s development.

“USTDA’s technical assistance will help advance project planning and implementation by enabling access to advanced US expertise, innovative technologies and global best practices,” he said.

“The SPIA initiative will deliver transformative benefits for the country – creating tens of thousands of jobs, enhancing mobility and unlocking billions in long-term economic activity,” he added.