This push was partly fueled by the personal passion of its chair and CEO, Ramon S. Ang (RSA), who recognized its growth potential for SMC but also its impact on tourism and the broader economy.
At one point, SMC owned Philippine Airlines, Asia’s oldest carrier, and now runs Boracay Airport. Ang’s biggest project so far—and the largest by any private company in the Philippines—is the ongoing airport city in Bulacan, which is expected to cost around P740 billion.
SMC consortium ready for Friday takeover
In a few days, SMC and its partners will take over operations of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), tackling a challenge that several administrations have struggled to launch successfully.
“We have a better understanding of aviation than any of our competitors,” Ang told reporters in a recent interview.
“Hindi kami dehado when compared to them,” he added.
Under the terms of the concession, SMC, alongside partners such as Incheon Airports of South Korea, is formally taking over the NAIA operations on Sept. 14.
RSA speaks at EJAP forum
Ang is kicking off a busy week with a forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines, led by president Jerome Morales.
He will deliver the opening remarks and present the conglomerate’s plans for Naia while the new airport general manager, Angelito Alvarez, will discuss the detailed rehabilitation plan, new terminal assignments, and the new passenger terminal building, among other updates.
Airport updates coming up
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista will join the meeting to provide updates on the turnover to SMC’s New NAIA Infrastructure Corp.
Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, and Philippine Airlines President Captain Stanley Ng, the event’s major sponsors, will also deliver speeches and join a panel discussion.
Over the weekend, Ang expressed his eagerness to tackle the new challenge ahead of the takeover.
“We are excited,” he told InsiderPH.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.