MANILA — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. has selected an Irish airport operations company as its partner in trying to bid for the operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts of two regional airports in the country.
In a statement late Wednesday, Aboitiz Infra said it has partnered with daa International to provide technical expertise and experience, which are necessary for the firm’s proposals on the expansion and operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Bohol-Panglao and Laguindingan Airports.
“We are pleased to work with the reputable daa International for both the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport. Our robust management and execution track record combined with daa International’s global perspective and technical expertise will ensure the transformation of these two airports into world-class regional gateways that we can truly be proud of,” Aboitiz Infra Chief Operating Officer Cosette Canilao said.
The Irish firm will review the plans for the O&M of the airports; define and document processes; train personnel; support the airports’ long-term development; and assist in the implementation of the innovative concepts of “connected” and “green” airports.
“We are very excited to be working in the Philippines and in particular, with Aboitiz. Our team strives to build and continually improve successful operations in the airports in which we operate for the benefit of the passenger and client,” the airport operator said.
daa International is the global airport operations management subsidiary of Ireland’s Dublin Airport Authority with over 75-year experience in airport management ownership and development.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has granted last February the original proponent status (OPS) on the PHP42.7 billion unsolicited proposal of Aboitiz Infra on the operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
The company was likewise granted the OPS by the DOTr on its proposal for the operations and maintenance of the New Bohol International Airport on Panglao Island in September last year.
Aboitiz Infra, which is the infrastructure business unit of the Aboitiz Group, is also part of the NAIA Consortium, which was granted original proponent status by the DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority on its proposal to rehabilitate and expand the facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. (PNA)