Clark airport operator unveils 759-hectare AeroDistrict masterplan

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD), the private operator of Clark International Airport, on Tuesday unveiled a 759-hectare aviation-oriented development masterplan aimed at transforming the airport into the country's first world-class airport city.

At a press briefing in Makati City, LIPAD officials launched the Clark AeroDistrict masterplan, which will be developed by global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM.

The masterplan is divided into four development zones that will support aviation-related industries, cargo and logistics operations, commercial and mixed-use developments, and future airport expansion.

The zones will include dedicated areas for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, General Aviation (GA), cargo operations, freight services, and future terminal developments.

LIPAD president and CEO Noel Manankil said the company is open to various implementation models, including joint ventures and long-term lease arrangements.

"Clark International Airport has always been more than an airport. It is a gateway that connects people, businesses, and opportunities," he said.

"With Clark AeroDistrict, we are building on that vision by creating the Philippines' first world-class airport city. We want Clark to become a leading hub for aviation, logistics, business, and investment, while helping drive economic growth for the country," Manankil added.

Located within the Clark Freeport Zone, the Clark AeroDistrict will be built on government-owned land, eliminating concerns over right-of-way acquisition.

At the heart of the masterplan is an integrated cargo and logistics ecosystem dubbed "Cargo City," which is designed to support sustained cargo growth and attract new logistics players.

LIPAD Commercial Manager Paolo Santos said the company has allocated 30 hectares of the project's 130-hectare leasable area for Cargo City.

The cargo development will feature scalable, investment-ready infrastructure aimed at strengthening supply chains and improving the movement of goods in both domestic and international markets.

The LIPAD Consortium is composed of Changi Airports International, JG Summit Holdings, Filinvest Development Corporation, and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS).— MCG, GMA News