BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Local and domestic tourists heading to the world-renowned Boracay Island can soon expect an enhanced travel experience.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Caticlan Airport terminal, considered the main gateway to Boracay, is set for next month.
The new terminal is projected to accommodate seven million passengers annually upon completion.
It is part of the airport operated by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) infrastructure subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp.
Ramon Ang, SMC chair and chief executive officer, previously stated that the facility is targeted to be operational in less than three years.
The project will be spearheaded by Megawide Construction Corp., which has been contracted to design and construct the passenger terminal building.
“We believe that Megawide’s track record of building key infrastructure through efficient and sustainable practices will help us deliver a world-class facility within our committed deadline,” said Ang.
The Caticlan Airport project is part of SMC’s expansive infrastructure portfolio, which includes the new Manila International Airport in Bulacan, a P740-billion project capable of accommodating 100 million passengers annually at full capacity.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport rehabilitation also features plans for a new terminal with a 35 million annual passenger capacity and immediate improvements such as repairing elevators, escalators, toilets, and air conditioning systems.
This latest development is expected to enhance Boracay Island’s accessibility and further support the region’s tourism growth./PN
