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Gov’t airport operator cites 2008 ‘milestones’

01/06/2009

Manila International Airport Authority general manager Alfonso Cusi recently expressed the continuing gains and milestones obtained in 2008 by the MIAA and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport community, foremost of which are the opening of the much awaited Terminal 3 to commercial operations, the continuing strength and safety conduct of its airport operations, its new service branding dubbed as the “smiling airport” and various awards and recognition bestowed on MIAA and NAIA as service institutions.

“Last June 30, 2008, a milestone activity was successfully conducted to test the readiness of the new NAIA Terminal 3. The arrival of Her Excellency, President Arroyo via PR 105 was a resounding success. These were the results of the determination and perseverance of the MIAA officers and staff, the DoTC leadership thru Secretary Leandro Mendoza and other concerned agencies to open the new terminal, plus the invaluable support of a select group of legislative leaders like Sen. Richard Gordon, Representatives Monico Puentevella and Danilo Suarez, and many others” Cusi said.

Then by July 22, 2008, Terminal 3 initiated its start-up operations or soft opening that involved some eight domestic flights from Cebu Pacific, and were subsequently followed by other domestic flights from PAL Express and Air Philippines, two days after the first day of the soft opening, added GM Cusi.

Another milestone was obtained on Aug. 1, 2008, when Cebu Pacific Air started its International operations at the said terminal.

Currently, NAIA Terminal 3 has satisfactorily pursued its normal operation in terms of its ability to service passenger needs and convenience. The NAIA Terminal 3 is now handling about half of its designed capacity of 13 million passengers yearly.

MIAA assistant general manager for airport development and corporate affairs Tirso Serrano said that “the NAIA undoubtedly continues to be the main international gateway of the country, as it has been for the past several decades.”