BIZ BUZZ: PAL transfers cargo operations
With the pace of construction of a new passenger hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) about to go up a gear, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has begun the transfer of its cargo operations, from the International Cargo Terminal in between Naia Terminal 1 and 2 to the PAL Cargo Terminal on Andrews Ave.
With this, all domestic cargo flights will be accepted and released in the new warehouse starting Sept 22, while international operations are expected to follow on Sept. 29.
According to PAL Cargo vice president Jason Siy, cargo operations had to move to give way to the construction of the new Naia Terminal 4.
It is also part of preparations for the transfer of PAL’s international flights from the current Terminal 1 to Terminal 3.
The terminal reassignments being undertaken by San Miguel-led New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC), which has taken over the operations of the country’s primary gateway, are expected to be completed by 2026.
The Manila International Airport Authority earlier disclosed that Naia Terminal 1 will eventually accommodate the international flights of low-cost airlines. Terminal 3, meanwhile, will be reserved for the international flights of full-service carriers such as PAL.
Terminal 2, on the other hand, will be used for domestic flights.
Incidentally, when PAL moves to Terminal 3, it has no choice but to also construct a new Mabuhay Lounge to service its deep-pocketed guests who can afford premium tickets.
As to the existing Mabuhay Lounge in Terminal 1, Biz Buzz sources said it would likely be taken over by NNIC.
Plans are to open it up to paying guests who want to wait for their flight in more comfortable and private surroundings.
