BY BOY RYAN ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) targets to award the contract next year to privatize the Kalibo International Airport.
According to Public-Private Partnership Center, the project is under negotiation with a private operator which involves the operation and maintenance of Kalibo International Airport and facility upgrade of systems and construction of the terminal building.
DOTr chief Jaime Bautista said the multi-billion privatization ensures better operations and maintenance of Kalibo International Airport.
Aside from Kalibo, regional airports in Iloilo, Siargao, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod City, and Laguindingan are being eyed for privatization.
A private operator Mega7 Construction Corp. has submitted a P3.62-billion unsolicited proposal for airport development, maintenance and operations of Kalibo International Airport.
The company secured an original proponent status (OPS) from DOTr through its Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for its unsolicited proposal to develop the Kalibo International Airport under a Build-Operate-Transfer Scheme.
Nearly 20 percent of airports worldwide are now privately owned and more than 100 of those are owned by private equity infrastructure investors, according to a 2023 study published by the United States National Bureau of Economic Research.
The study also found that airport volumes, efficiency and quality improve substantially, and more investments in new capacity and technology under private equity ownership than at government-owned airports./PN
