Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, has received the notice of award (NOA) to upgrade, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
The NOA was received by AIC from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) last September 30, 2024. The official signing of the concession agreement is expected to be by the end of October 2024.
This expansion of AIC’s airports portfolio into Mindanao further solidifies its position as a key player in the Philippine aviation sector.
“We are excited to take on revitalizing Laguindingan Airport and collaborating with stakeholders to create a world-class facility that serves the travelers and the community alike,’ ” said Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This deal marks another major step in our Airports Platform, and we remain optimistic as we pursue further opportunities with other regional airports. Together with the government, we are committed to making this vision a reality,” Canilao added.
AIC’s investment in the Laguindingan Airport aims to modernize and transform the airport into a world-class gateway that will boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in Northern Mindanao.
The proposed PHP 12.75 billion project for Laguindingan Airport (Mindanao’s second busiest after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport) involves extensive development, including renovating and expanding existing facilities. This will cover the airport’s passenger terminal building, required equipment installation, and airside and landside facility enhancement and development for a 30-year concession period.
These expansions are expected to enhance the passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the airport’s safety and security standards, aligning with AIC’s vision of creating globally competitive airports that showcase the best of the Philippines.
Laguindingan International Airport is part of AIC’s broader strategy to develop and manage infrastructure assets that enhance connectivity across the Philippines. As a unit of the Aboitiz Group techglomerate, AIC is leveraging its expertise in infrastructure and technology to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation sector.
“Building on our experience at the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport we are excited to bring our home-grown Filipino brand of airport operations to Misamis Oriental. We are confident Laguindingan Airport will drive socio-economic progress in the region as airports are a force multiplier in driving socio-economic progress through job creation, tourism development, and expanded connectivity. We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity entrusted to us by our partners in the DOTr and CAAP,” said Rafael Aboitiz, AIC Vice President – Head for Airports Business.
AIC, through Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, also currently operates the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, whose Terminal 2 recently received a prestigious 4-star rating from globally renowned aviation consultancy Skytrax.
