For the nth time, a NAIA makeover

It’s one of several airports in the world that badly needs a makeover, this beloved gateway of ours.

OK, perhaps more than a makeover. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after all has seen better days, inside and out – from parking lots that are littered with trash in some parts; long queues everywhere, from the entrance to  the security checks; slow and snaking immigration lines; bay areas that need refurbishment and airline lounges with air conditioning units that seem stuck at 25 degrees Celsius or higher and worst of all, three separate terminals that are not interconnected.

Passengers going from one terminal to the other would have to take an eight- to 10-minute taxi ride, if there is one, or walk for 15 to 20 minutes under the scorching sun with their bulging suitcases and all. It’s even longer if one has to go to Terminal 3.

And then there’s the issue of airport congestion with annual passengers of 32 million – and counting, already way above capacity.

To be fair to our airport authorities, I personally experienced significant improvements in our airport in recent years, especially when aviation man Cesar Chiong took over as general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). It is unfortunate that Chiong has been ordered dismissed for instituting much needed reforms in the airport. His case is still pending in our courts and I fervently hope justice will prevail.

Unlocking NAIA’s potential

The good news is that Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime “JJB” Bautista, a long-time aviation guy, is moving to “unlock NAIA’s potential as a world-class gateway.”

Sec. JJB is determined to make it work this time, having been on the other side of this story for the longest time in the past. He was president and COO of Lucio Tan-owned Philippine Airlines for roughly 15 years before he was appointed to the Transportation portfolio; he knew very well the importance of having a world-class airport.

Thus, the DOTr is again attempting to modernize NAIA under a Public-Private Partnership scheme.

The NAIA modernization project involves upgrading of terminals, increasing capacity to up to 62 million passengers per annum, improving technology infrastructure and ensuring reliable operations.

The project carries an extensive opportunity for world-class transportation that will benefit travelers, the government and investors, Sec. JJB said during the NAIA Project Roadshow in Singapore last week.

After Singapore, Sec. JJB went to Paris for the European leg of the roadshow, with the hope of attracting parties from that part of the world.

Having the right partner

“With the right private sector partner, we can unlock NAIA’s full potential, making it an example of progress and innovation in the heart of the Philippines,” our Transport chief said.

In all, the DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are seeking a concessionaire who can efficiently operate and maintain the NAIA for 15 years through a PPP contractual arrangement.

It’s an incredible opportunity for both the government and the private sector, Sec. JJB said.

An efficient airport

I hope it works this time. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve written about attempts to modernize NAIA. I’ve seen blueprints and scale models and, as a Filipino, felt an excitement that is almost palpable, only to be disappointed later on because for one reason or another, the project would fall through.

But as I said, I hope it works this time around.

As I’ve said before, Filipinos deserve a better and more efficient airport. And if it were up to me, I prefer a Filipino operator, because they can better understand the peculiarities of the Filipino traveler – including those jeepney-loads of kamag-anaks just to send off their soon-to-be-OFWs, the dozens of suitcases and carry-ons or how Filipinos love long goodbyes with a thousand and one photographs with their departing loved ones.

One blueprint I saw in the past allocated a huge space for well-wishers for departing OFWs.

The Filipino operator can have an experienced foreign technical partner.

As for me, I just want to see a more efficient airport that would enable me to breeze through all the way to the gate just like in some gateways abroad. You check in at the counters fast enough; faster if you’ve done web check-in; go through security where there are enough personnel and an automated system for tote trays so the process is faster; enough immigration counters and enough signs for you to find the right gate.

Also on my wish list: clean restrooms, shops that serve brewed coffee, fast internet, connections between terminals and public transportation from the airport.

And finally, I would love to see our gateways bedecked with the best of Philippine art and photography instead of  corporate advertisements. Art and culture are very important because it can entice visitors to keep coming back to our country while reminding locals of how rich our culture is.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that NAIA’s rehab would finally happen this time.

If it still does not, our authorities may do well to turn to old wives’ tales and offer a bloodied rooster as a sacrifice to the deities to rid the airport of bad luck, which most likely stems from the corrupt airport syndicates who keep blocking much needed airport reforms.

In this case though, Sec. JJB may need to slaughter a whole rooster farm or chicken coop to exorcize these well-entrenched and age-old airport mafia.

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Email: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.