THREE prominent airport stakeholders have united for the purpose of offering to undertake airport improvements. Take note that the offer, they said, would not cost the government a single centavo.
Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has welcomed the offer and even expressed willingness to discuss the proposed free and voluntary offer.
The unique offer would enable the government to fast-track the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) without any exorbitant cost or revenue loss to the government, or increased terminal fees for travelers.
The three stakeholders, namely the veteran ground handlers dnata, Inc. (Philippine subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates’ dnata), the Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc. (PAGSS) and the Bureau of Immigration’s e-Gate provider Ascent Solutions Philippines, Inc., have joined together and volunteered to equip NAIA with automated biometrics and Common Use Self Service (CUSS) systems and equipment, including self-service check-in and bag drop, additional e-Gates and automated flight boarding.
PAGSS President Janette Cordero explained that these systems could substantially reduce passenger processing times and, following their proposed implementation schedule, could also augment the capacity of NAIA Terminal 1 by some two million passengers per year within a period of just three months.
After further rollout within six months, the departure capacity of NAIA Terminal 1 would increase by four million more passengers per year and NAIA Terminal 3 by eight million.
The said group has set out to demonstrate NAIA’s functionality up until the flagship New Manila International Airport opens in less than five years. This comes as their reaction to inflated rehabilitation figures and proposed unnecessary upgrades whose costs will inevitably and needlessly be passed on to the air passengers.
The group does not intend to charge the government or the riding public any fee for the use of its equipment.
Also being offered is the provision of the services of aviation experts in airport operations and the optimization of runway capacity to support the government’s efforts to decongest NAIA.
Cordero emphasized that said services are at no cost or charge to the government, adding it remains to be seen if the government will act favorably on this complimentary offer, or if DoTr will still insist on surrendering control over its prime airport real estate to private entities, despite numerous criticisms arising from the significant foregone government revenues, the proposed substantial increases in airport charges and the futility of spending to expand an already congested single-runway airport.
Having gained invaluable insight into NAIA from years of experience, the three companies know with certainty that the main pain point of passengers, airlines and airport users is congestion and long queues resulting in inconvenience that Cordero assured can be addressed through automation.
Indeed, with the proper guidance and the invaluable support of airport stakeholders, NAIA can be operated more efficiently without overspending or overcharging.
Pending the meeting between Sec. Bautista and the stakeholders concerned, let us keep our fingers crossed that the discussion will be fruitful and improve the overall travel experience for all air travelers.
***
The peace in Manila City Hall was somehow disturbed when a 32-year-old construction worker jumped off from the third floor of the Manila City Hall on the way to his inquest on Wednesday morning.
The jumper, identified as Lyle Adams Fernandez, of Brgy. Anolis Mangaldan Pangasinan, was initially placed in critical condition after surviving the fall but was pronounced dead later by his attending physician.
He fell to the ground floor after jumping from a third-floor window. It was fortunate that no one was in the area at that time.
A video of the incident showed that Fernandez was in handcuffs while trailing behind his two cop escorts, who were seen talking to each other, when suddenly, Fernandez rushed toward the open window and fell straight to the ground.
Based on the initial investigation of the Manila Police District (MPD) -Special Mayor’s Reaction (MPD-SMART) chief Maj. Edward Samonte, Fernandez, was being brought to the office of Assistant City Prosecutor Glen Romano for inquest when the incident happened at around 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Fernandez is facing charges after randomly firing a gun inside the office of his live-in partner.
MPD Director PBGen. Andre Dizon quickly ordered the relief of the two policemen who were serving as escorts of Fernandez. He also ordered the filing of administrative charges against them. He issued a strong reminder to all MPD personnel that they should always be security-conscious and alert, especially whenever they are on duty.
***
Joke (from Michelle Santiago of Pasay City)
Pedro: Pare, galing ako sa doktor, nakabili na ako ng hearing aid. Grabe, ang linaw na ng pandinig ko, sa wakas!!!
Juan: Talaga?! Eh di mabuti naman. Magkano ang bili mo sa hearing aid mo?
Pedro: Oo, kahapon lang, pare.
***
DIRECT HIT entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0917-3132168.
