By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) announced that the new passenger terminal at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport, will be operational in “less than three years.”
SMC Chair and CEO Ramon Ang revealed the timeline during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines-SMC Aviation Forum, stating the terminal will accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually.
Caticlan Airport is the primary gateway to Aklan’s world-famous Boracay Island.
Ang explained that the terminal’s development had been delayed due to right-of-way issues but said SMC expects to award a construction contract by the end of the year.
“We are about to award a contract to a contractor this year, and it should be finished in less than three years,” Ang said.
He added that acquiring private properties expedited the process, as government-owned lands would have required lengthy approvals.
SMC acquired a majority stake in Caticlan International Airport and Development Corporation in 2010. Through its subsidiary, Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., SMC holds a 25-year contract to operate the airport.
According to the Private-Public Partnership Center website, the Caticlan Airport Development Project includes upgrades such as improving the terminal, enhancing airport facilities, extending the runway, and installing navigational and air traffic control aids.
The runway will be extended from 900 meters to 2.1 kilometers to accommodate Airbus A320s and other aircraft that will bring in international tourists.
The estimated cost of the project, based on SMC’s approved unsolicited proposal, is ₱2.51 billion.
As of January 2024, construction of the runway extension, new terminal building, and installation of navigational and air traffic control aids is 51.32% complete.
