Aboitiz InfraCapital Wins Bid To Operate Laguindingan Airport In Misamis Oriental

Aboitiz Group’s infrastructure arm, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), has announced its receipt of the Notice of Award (NOA) for its bid to upgrade, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental province.

AIC's investment in 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. I Image: Aboitiz InfraCapital

The NOA was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the company disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

Cosette V. Canilao, AIC President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked, “We are excited to take on the revitalization of Laguindingan Airport and collaborate with stakeholders to create a world-class facility that serves both travelers and the community.”

She added that the expansion of AIC’s airport portfolio into Mindanao further solidifies the company’s position as a key player in the Philippine aviation sector.

“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 stated.

According to AIC, its investment in 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 PHP12.75 billion project for Laguindingan Airport, which is Mindanao’s second busiest after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, involves extensive development, including the renovation and expansion of existing facilities.

This will include upgrading the passenger terminal building, installing necessary equipment, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities over a 30-year concession period, AIC pointed out.

The company emphasized that these expansions are expected to improve the passenger experience, enhance 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 tech conglomerate, AIC is leveraging its expertise in infrastructure and technology to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation sector.

Rafael Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business, said, “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 that Laguindingan Airport will drive socio-economic progress in the region. Airports are a force multiplier in 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,” Aboitiz emphasized.

The official signing of the concession agreement for the Laguindingan Airport operation is expected by the end of October 2024.

Through Aboitiz InfraCapital’s subsidiary GMCAC, AIC also operates the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, whose Terminal 2 recently received a prestigious 4-star rating from the globally renowned aviation consultancy, Skytrax.