The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday it completed 53 airport projects as of August 2024, a significant increase from the 17 airports finished in June 2022.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the achievement underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing the country’s air transportation infrastructure.
“Building on this momentum, we are actively advancing the modernization of our airports through Public-Private Partnerships creating more opportunities for innovation and growth,” Bautista said.
“This September, we initiated a significant step by transferring control of the country’s main gateway to a private concessionaire, facilitating the development of a newer, bigger and better airport in Metro Manila,” Bautista said.
Beyond infrastructure, Bautista said operational safety could not be overstated. “It is a pledge we make to every life that depends on the skies,” he said.
“In line with this commitment, we are strengthening the independence of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board [AAIIB]. The board’s recent restructuring under the direct oversight of DOTr is essential for conducting unbiased investigations eliminating any potential conflicts of interest from the CAA, [Civil Aviation Authority],” Bautista said.
Bautista also said the agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines were actively working to minimize the environmental impact of aviation growth through the integration of sustainable practices and continuous operational improvements.
“Emphasizing responsible expansion, we integrate environmental assessments into all airport projects to ensure that ecological considerations are central to project viability and prioritize collaborations with private sector partners who share our dedication to sustainability,” he said.
Bautista said the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the regional data and information sharing agreement with its counterparts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. This collaboration aims to foster a safer aviation environment across the Asia Pacific region.
“By strengthening our partnerships, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, sustainable and inclusive aviation sector in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond,” he said.
Baustista said the APAC region emerged as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally with 32-percent share of global traffic.
“Projections indicate that by 2035, the region will become the world’s largest aviation market, with over 3.5 billion passengers annually. This substantial market share, combined with optimistic economic projections and strong demographic trends, underscores the region’s immense potential for development,” he said.
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