All Set for NAIA 3 Opening on June 30

Posted on June 29, 2008

Newly appointed head of the Task Force NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) 3, former Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor, announced yesterday that all is set for the historic docking of the first commercial flight at the NAIA Terminal 3 on Monday, June 30.

Defensor was appointed as head of the task force last June 9, through Executive Order (EO) 732, mandating him to ensure the immediate opening and operation of the NAIA Terminal 3.

Yesterday, the task force inspected the ongoing system repairs in the terminal in preparation for the arrival of the flight with President Arroyo onboard and her US delegation on board.

With NAIA General Manager Alfonso Cusi showing him around, Defensor announced that all systems are go for the initial operation of the terminal.

“Almost all of the airport systems are working,” Defensor said. “The lighting system are all OK, four of the six air-conditioning systems are now working, and work on the baggage conveyor will be completed tomorrow. One major thing that we have to address is the computerized check-in system, but that will be corrected soon.”

According to Defensor, they are on track in the full operation of the terminal that will be completed this weekend, in time for President Arroyo’s arrival from the US on Monday.

Defensor disclosed that Mrs. Arroyo will arrive at 5 a.m. together with her 90-man delegation as well as 340 revenue passengers aboard the Philippine Airlines flight PR105 from San Francisco, California.

The President, together with the other passengers, will disembark from Gate 116 of the terminal’s Head House then walk to the immigration counters for clearance.

From the immigration hall, the President will take the escalator down to the baggage reclaim area, walk to the Customs clearing zone, then proceed to the greeter’s area where she will be led to the presidential limousine.

“I will be here to make sure that everything goes smoothly when the President arrives,” Defensor said.