Gov't to initially use NAIA-3 for domestic flights

MANILA, Philippines- The government is planning to use the controversial Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as a port for domestic flights before it gradually shifts to hosting international flights, a top official of the Manila International Airport Authority said. In a speech before the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce, Alfonso Cusi, MIAA general manager, said the facility will be opened at the “soonest possible time" but through a "partial or phased opening starting with domestic flight operations." “We will address all the basic, pressing and most glaring life safety concerns such as the collapsed ceiling through a more comprehensive repair and strengthening program," said Cusi. “[And then] we shall pursue a deliberate strategy of partial or phased opening, starting with domestic flight operations and subsequently shifting to international flight operations on a selective basis," added Cusi. Right now, MIAA is drafting strategic policies and is in discussions with local airlines in exhausting all possible options for the realization of actual flight operations at Terminal 3 for a safer, more orderly and more convenient air travel for our passengers. Cusi said management has been undertaking the necessary research, planning and policy studies that relate to the basic issues of opening new passenger terminals, expanding terminal facilities and reorganizing airline operations within the NAIA complex. NAIA currently handles 90 percent of international traffic and 75 of all international and domestic traffic combined. Last April, MIAA published an Invitation to bid for the terminal completion works. The bid was declared a failure because two of the eight interested firms did not pass the required eligibility checks. As a result, MIAA engineers undertook some tests, assessments and inspections preparatory to system testing and commissioning. Of the 33 equipment systems at Terminal 3 covering basic building systems like the electrical, air-conditioning, people mover and fire protection systems, and airport special systems like the baggage handling system, passenger loading bridges and security screening system, the MIAA engineering group has inspected and assessed 23 systems. Of which, the group found out that there were missing software, system keys, wires and cables; there were obsolete components; worn-out devices; there were also systems designs that were already inappropriate for present requirements, particularly for the structured cabling system. Cusi said that the MIAA engineering group will work on the following: completion of the inspection of other systems; coordination with manufacturer's representative for cost estimates to complete; replacement of system components; procurement of needed components and software; prioritization of systems to be completed for a possible soft opening within the next few months; and identification of viable alternatives in case a permanent solution would take a considerable time to complete. - GMANews.TV