BCDA eyes Lufthansa, FedEx expansions as Clark logistics hub push accelerates

MAKATI CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is advancing high-impact projects in Clark as it negotiates with global logistics players Lufthansa and FedEx, and evaluates a P15-billion unsolicited proposal from K-Water and Maynilad Water Services Inc. to support New Clark City’s long-term water needs.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the projects form part of the agency’s broader push to turn Clark into a competitive hub for logistics, aviation and technology-driven industries, backed by reliable infrastructure and utilities.

“We signed a MOU with the DOTr to make Clark a hub for logistics,” Bingcang said during a media luncheon on Wednesday at the New World Makati Hotel. “True enough, one of the early respondents is Lufthansa,” he said.

According to Bingcang, Lufthansa has already submitted a formal proposal and is seeking at least 15 hectares for expansion at Clark International Airport. The planned investment is expected to generate jobs and strengthen Clark’s role in regional and global cargo movements.

“So ang target din namin dito ay by first quarter, masara namin tong deal na to,” he said. “But we’re making sure that beyond the revenue, is the investment, jobs that we will be bringing.”

Parallel to the Lufthansa talks, BCDA is moving forward with airside infrastructure commitments tied to FedEx’s expansion in Clark. Bingcang said FedEx has already finalized its construction plans, which have been approved by BCDA, while the agency is now focused on delivering the required runway and apron developments.

“They already finalized the construction plan, pinapprove na samin. So responsibility ko sa kanya ang ung apron and runway,” he said.

Bingcang noted that Clark’s jet-capable runway and overall airfield quality have attracted strong interest from major logistics players. Lufthansa, in particular, has conducted surveys and ground assessments and has already spent on pre-development activities, including plans to build hangars capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

On the utilities side, BCDA confirmed it has received a completed unsolicited proposal from K-Water, in partnership with Maynilad, for a long-term water supply and wastewater management system for New Clark City. The P15-billion project is being proposed under a public-private partnership arrangement, with BCDA given 10 days to respond and 80 days to negotiate.

Bingcang said the proposal is timely, as water availability is critical to attracting large-scale locators such as data centers and logistics operators. Along with power, reliable water infrastructure is seen as essential to sustaining Clark’s next phase of development.

With negotiations progressing on aviation, logistics and utilities, BCDA said Clark is entering a crucial phase where infrastructure readiness will determine its ability to compete with other regional investment destinations.