BCDA, CAAP sign MoA in Clark operation

CLARK FREEPORT — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the operations and maintenance of the air traffic services (ATS) and communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) facilities of Clark International Airport (CRK).

Signed on 15 April, at the BCDA Corporate Center, the MoA cited that the BCDA, as the owner of the facilities, will cover the operations and maintenance costs, while CAAP will operate and maintain the CRK ATS and CNS facilities.

BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang and CAAP director general Raul del Rosario signed the MoA as the two agencies will work closely to ensure operational support, systems integrations, procurement and funding, and administrative compliance.

“These efforts are aimed to achieve enhanced operational efficiency and passenger experience and uphold the highest standards in aviation safety and productivity,” Bingcang said.

Meanwhile, the state-run Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) announced the country’s highest Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower located here is expected for completion by the second quarter of this year.

Engineers and specialists from CIAC and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines recently completed training by air traffic communication manufacturers based in Larvik, Norway, and Milan, Italy on the operations of traffic communication, navigation and surveillance systems.

The new ATC is envisioned to become Clark’s newest iconic landmark. A towering 18-storeys or around 54 meters tall, the ATC serves as a landmark to all those traversing through SCTEX or traveling to the Clark International Airport.

In addition, the new ATC will enhance development efforts being done for CIAC’s Flagship Projects, which include a National Food Hub, a World Convention and Events Center, and a Multi-Modal Mobility Hub.

The Clark Air Traffic Control Project was awarded to MSV Construction and Supplies and funded through CIAC’s parent company, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.