THE new and modern Davao International Airport should be completed by 2028, an indicative time line from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) showed, as the unsolicited proposal was recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Investment Coordination Committee (ICC).
Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp.’s P48.9-billion operate-add-transfer unsolicited proposal for the Davao Airport involves the modernization of the air hub down south to boost its passenger traffic to 15.1 million passengers annually.
The unsolicited proposal covers reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building, construction of parallel taxiway, improvement of airside and landside facilities, installation of modern airport IT systems and all activities needed to improve airport services.
The proposal carries a 30-year concession period.
Should it pass muster with other approvals and processes, including that of the Neda Board, and win the Swiss Challenge, Chelsea is calendared to start the project within the year.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the project is noteworthy, as it will help spur economic growth in Mindanao through trade and tourism.
“The modernization of the Davao International Airport will greatly boost both trade and tourism activities across Mindanao,” he said.
Image credits: AP/Bullit Marquez