No more outages: RSA enlists MVP’s aid to modernize NAIA power infrastructure

December 9, 2024
3:14PM PHT
Updated: December 9, 2024
3:56PM PHT

San Miguel Corp.-led New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and Manila Electric Company (Meralco) have partnered to modernize the electricity infrastructure of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the companies announced on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.

In a joint statement, both firms said this strategic collaboration — formalized during a signing ceremony in Pasig City — aims to provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions that will support NAIA’s modernization efforts.

The project is meant to address persistent power issues that have plagued the airport due to outdated infrastructure, lack of modernization, and inadequate capacity. These challenges have disrupted operations, affected passenger experiences, and constrained the airport’s efficiency as a transportation hub.

With the privatization of the airport’s operations, NNIC has made power reliability a top priority in its mission to transform NAIA into a modern, world-class facility.

POWERING THE NAIA MODERNIZATION. New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and Meralco have partnered to power the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Seen in photo are (L-R) NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez, NNIC head of leasing and commercial business Cecile Ang, NNIC president and CEO Ramon Ang, Meralco chair and CEO Manuel Pangilinan, Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie Aperocho, and Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz. CLICK TO SEE FULL IMAGE./Contributed Photo

“By enhancing power reliability for the new NAIA, we are going to help empower the tourism and travel industry, support economic growth, and enrich the travel experience for countless travelers,” said Meralco chair and CEO Manuel Pangilinan. “Together, we will power a brighter tomorrow rich with opportunities and advancements — not only for our companies but for the country we proudly serve.”

NNIC president Ramon Ang emphasized the need for investment in infrastructure.

“Years of underinvestment have left NAIA struggling to meet the demands of a modern airport,” he said. “With Meralco as our partner, we are addressing power reliability as a top priority, alongside operational improvements such as decongesting traffic, widening roads, mitigating flooding, and replacing faulty equipment.”

The partnership includes several key projects:

  1. State-of-the-art substation: Meralco is constructing a 115 kilovolt (kV) – 34.5 kV gas insulated substation to ensure reliable power for NAIA’s four terminals. The facility will enhance reliability, redundancy, and future-readiness, with completion targeted for December 2026.

  2. Underground power distribution network: A master plan will align power distribution with NAIA’s operational needs, minimizing disruptions. Field surveys and data sharing are scheduled to begin this month.

  3. Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system: Meralco subsidiary MSERV will install a 4900 KVA UPS system across six critical locations, bolstering infrastructure resilience for vital airport operations.

These initiatives reflect the commitment of NNIC and Meralco to deliver a modernized airport infrastructure that meets global standards, the firms said.

They added that the partnership is expected to play a significant role in bolstering the Philippines’ economic growth and global aviation presence.

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