B more to improve Panglao Airport proposed

CEBU CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas has approved the inclusion of a budget worth R1.9 billion for the additional works at Panglao Airport.

In a briefer kit presented during the RDC council meeting in June, the additional projects include a cargo terminal, a fuel depot and fuel hydrant system, a 300-meter extension of the runway, a parallel taxiway and a plane queuing set up.

According to DOTr Panglao Airport project manager Engr. Edgardo Mangalili the proposed cargo terminal will improve cargo handling at the new airport and the fuel depot and hydrant system will speed up refueling of large fuel tankers that would cater to international flights.

Mangalili the airport is an upgrade to the Tagbilaran Airport. It has an Instrument Landing System to cater to night flights. The extended runway can accommodate A330-300, B777-300er and B797 aircraft for long-haul services, which the old airport could not do.

The RDC in its endorsement said the proposed additional works and budget needs a revision of the implementation schedule of the airport to a date later than 2018. It must also be included in the Regional Development and Investment Program (RDIP) and to tap the Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the National Government counterpart funds.

RDC Chairman Kenneth Cobonpue said he wanted to be assured that the additional components would not impede the airport’s operations when it opens this August.

The Panglao Airport will be initially operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) but its operation will eventually bidded out, Mangalili said.

The new airport is expected to accommodate about 3.4 million passenger arrivals by 2030.