MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has outlined a series of significant enhancements planned for the country’s airports and their navigational systems in 2025. CAAP Director General Manuel Tamayo shared these plans during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon episode, emphasizing the focus on upgrading the hardware of the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS-ATM) system. Last year’s efforts were centered on software upgrades for the CNS-ATM, which is crucial for precise aircraft location tracking during takeoffs, landings, and air traffic control.
Tamayo revealed that approximately PHP2.1 billion from JICA fund savings would be allocated for the hardware upgrades. Despite the shift towards satellite-based systems, CAAP is committed to maintaining older navigation systems. Additionally, upgrades are in progress for airport facilities, including weather equipment and runways.
A key focus for 2025 is enhancing the night capabilities of airports in Pagadian, Cauayan, and Dipolog to accommodate the growing number of passengers. These improvements are not only aimed at enhancing passenger experience and safety but also at boosting economic activity, as seen with the commercial growth around Clark Airport.
CAAP will continue to pursue public-private partnership (PPP) projects, with airports in Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Siargao, and Bohol slated for development. Tamayo highlighted the benefits of private sector involvement, noting that it would allow CAAP to focus on other responsibilities while the private sector handles the upgrades more efficiently due to quicker funding and procurement processes.
Tamayo expressed optimism about the Aboitiz Group’s role in airport development, expecting them to follow the example set by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The Aboitiz Group has secured contracts to upgrade, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan Airport and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Furthermore, in October 2024, Aboitiz InfraCapital took full ownership of Aboitiz GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, which manages the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.