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The Manila International Airport Authority has committed to completing an audit of its electrical systems and is fast-tracking various projects that will significantly enhance operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. MIAA is accelerating projects such as boarding bridge replacement, chiller replacement, taxiway upgrades, expanding CCTV system coverage, and digitizing airport operations and passenger systems. The projects will be completed in 24 to 36 months. At Terminal 3, MIAA had previously announced the immediate construction of additional immigration counters to increase immigration counters from 30 to 36. A comprehensive plan for the electrical audit has been solidified to ensure that no system is left uncovered during the course of the investigation.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has committed to completing an audit of its electrical systems and fast-tracking various projects aimed at significantly enhancing operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
MIAA is fast-tracking projects such as boarding bridge replacement, chiller replacement, taxiway upgrades, expanding CCTV system coverage and digitizing airport operations and passenger systems.
The MIAA said in a statement that it expects these major projects to be completed within 24 to 36 months.
“These are very challenging times for us at the moment but in any case, we are leaving no stone unturned and exploring all avenues to achieve results based on our set priorities,” MIAA director Brian Coe said.
The construction of additional comfort rooms and renovation of existing rooms in NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is also underway.
MIAA previously announced that it would immediately build additional immigration counters at Terminal 3, increasing the number from the current 30 to 36.
MIAA also hopes to complete the construction of the Immigration Bureau Annex by December this year, building six counters and allowing it to staff 24 more immigration officers. Once completed, the annex will be available as a processing area for overseas Filipino workers, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and diplomats.
The construction of the annex is an expression of support by MIAA to the Immigration Commissioner as previously suggested to the Immigration Commissioner during the planning phase of the airport authority's terminal reallocation program aimed at optimizing the capacity of NAIA's four terminals.
Beyond facilities, MIAA said it is constantly studying process flows to reduce congestion points so passengers have a more comfortable airport experience, noting that the removal of the first security checkpoint inside the terminal has proven to be a welcome relief for travelers.
“As we undertake all these tasks, we continue to ask for understanding and patience from all stakeholders. With your support, we can deliver a better NAIA that we can all be proud of,” Coe said.
The MIAA said in a meeting with power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and its subsidiary Meralco Energy Corp. (MServ) that a comprehensive plan for the electricity audit had been finalized to ensure that no system was left out during the investigation.
The electricity audit is part of MIAA's efforts to improve electricity services following the May 1 power outage at NAIA Terminal 3, which led to flight delays and cancellations.
MServ was appointed to lead a complete electrical audit of Terminal 3 to determine the various pieces of equipment that need to be upgraded, repaired or purchased to increase the reliability and durability of Terminal 3’s power system.
MIAA said it is confident that “Mserv's expertise and track record will enable them to bring a much-needed solution to the current state of NAIA's electrical system.”
However, on June 9, NAIA Terminal 3 experienced a 37-minute power outage from 12:52pm to 1:29pm due to an error by an MServ official during a routine electrical audit of the NAIA substation.
According to the incident report, MServ personnel accidentally left a grounding conductor attached to electrical equipment during testing operations, which caused an electrical fault at 12:50 p.m. and subsequently a power outage.
The company had previously said it plans to procure additional emergency generator sets to boost power supply capacity as MIAA increases the terminal's power demand to 80-90 percent from the current 30 percent.
He said they would first wait for the delivery of additional generators before proceeding with the audit of other substations affecting the NAIA technical area to ensure backup power.
The MIAA project also comes as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and airport operators submit proposals for public-private partnership projects aimed at modernizing NAIA.
The Ministry of Transport's permanent secretary for aviation and airports, Robert Lim, had previously said the ministry estimated a “feasible” timeline for selecting a successful bidder was by the first quarter of 2024.
Related article: NAIA renovation project award expected in Q1 2024
The DOTr and MIAA are also considering an unsolicited proposal from the Manila International Airport Consortium for the operation and maintenance of NAIA.
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